A recent meeting in Abuja gathered EU and Nigerian stakeholders to assess the cocoa sector’s readiness to comply with the European Union’s new Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
An EU-funded report on Nigeria’s compliance across affected value chains, including cocoa, palm oil, and timber, was presented to stakeholders.
The EUDR, implemented on June 29, 2023, aims to curb the EU’s contribution to global deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and human rights abuses by ensuring deforestation-free supply chains. Cocoa, a critical export from Nigeria with 67% destined for the EU, is a primary focus due to its environmental impact.
Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted the EU’s commitment to both environmental protection and local support. “Deforestation in cocoa farming underscores the need for the EUDR, but we are here to assist farmers with sustainable techniques,” he said. Additionally, he introduced the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), requiring companies to reduce negative social and environmental impacts in supply chains.
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, represented by Deputy Director Ajayi Olutobaba, welcomed the EU’s collaboration and announced the formation of a National Taskforce on EUDR to coordinate compliance efforts. “This taskforce, which I chair, aims to ensure Nigeria’s cocoa and other sectors align with the EU’s deforestation-free goals,” Olutobaba said.
European Commission consultant Javier Sánchez noted that while the EUDR poses initial challenges, it could boost sustainable practices and transparency. “This regulation empowers small producers by increasing value chain transparency and enabling consumers to track the origins of their products,” he explained.
With the EUDR placing compliance responsibility on EU importers, Nigerian stakeholders, including cooperatives and local suppliers, will need to ensure traceability to maintain market access.
