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Nigeria, Vietnam Seal Strategic Pact to Boost Cashew Trade as Kogi Variety Earns Global Recognition
Cyril Ogar
Nigeria and Vietnam have entered into a landmark partnership aimed at transforming cashew production, processing, and trade between the two nations.
The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) and the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS), was signed during the 14th VINACAS Golden Cashew Rendezvous 2025 held in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The three-day event, held from October 26 to 28, commemorated VINACAS’ 35th anniversary and brought together global leaders and stakeholders in the cashew value chain.
Speaking at the signing, the National President of NCAN Dr. Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, said the MoU will to promote bilateral trade, technology transfer, and collaboration that will strengthen both nations’ competitiveness in the global cashew industry.
He expressed that, the recognition of Kogi cashew at the Hanoi conference reaffirmed Nigeria’s rising status in the global cashew industry.
Under the partnership, both countries will promote trade in raw and processed cashew, exchange processing technologies, encourage joint investments, and develop sustainable cashew farming practices.
Dr. Ajanaku described the partnership as a major milestone for the nation’s agricultural and non-oil export sector. He revealed that Nigeria exported $420 million worth of cashew to Vietnam in 2025 and expressed optimism that the collaboration would further improve production efficiency and expand market access for Nigerian products.
“This partnership will enhance value addition through modern processing technologies, promote diversification into cashew-based beverages and by-products, and create more jobs for rural communities,” Ajanaku said.
In a remarkable highlight, Kogi Cashew was specially recognized at the Hanoi conference as the most nutritious cashew in the world — a distinction that underscores Nigeria’s growing reputation in the global market. Ajanaku noted that the new partnership would leverage this recognition through continued innovation, research, and quality improvement.
He added that Vietnam’s machinery and technical expertise would play a crucial role in helping Nigeria expand its processing capacity and drive economic diversification.
Both associations agreed to set up a joint working committee to monitor the implementation of the MoU and report progress annually.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by senior Nigerian officials, representatives of financial institutions, and members of the organized private sector.
Among the Nigerian delegation were Muhammed Tukur Usman, Director, FDA-FMAS; Mr. Babagana Musti, representing NEXIM Bank; Jude Osilama and Evidence Iyamu, NCAN exporters; Mr. Victor Omofaiye, Director-General of the Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion, and Market Development Agency (KOSCEPA); Alh. Abu Muhammed Kabir, NCAN Financial Secretary; and Tchidi Okike Zacchaeus, a merchant farmer.
NCAN therefore emphasized that Nigeria remains one of Africa’s top cashew producers, contributing over 500,000 metric tonnes annually with exports mainly to Vietnam and India. With improved processing capacity, the association projects that Nigeria’s cashew export earnings could surpass $500 million annually, creating thousands of new jobs and strengthening the nation’s rural economy.
The new Nigeria–Vietnam cashew partnership marks a major step toward positioning both countries as global leaders in cashew trade and innovation.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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