Business
Nigeria To Revive Cocoa Industry, Says Shettima
The Federal Government has pledged to revive Nigeria’s cocoa industry and revitalise the entire agricultural value chain across the country.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima made the commitment on Monday while receiving a delegation from the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation was led by the WCF President, Chris Vincent.
Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria from a cocoa producer into a global cocoa processor.
He noted that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the creation of a National Cocoa Management Board (NCMB) to support the sector’s revival.
According to him, the administration is focused on promoting sustainable cocoa farming and forest preservation, aiming to add value through processing.
“We must walk the talk. Nigeria once ranked among the world’s top cocoa producers, but oil shifted our focus.
“We can restore that glory. The President is determined to revive cocoa and all agricultural value chains nationwide,” Shettima said.
He stated that cocoa prices have soared globally and that the Renewed Hope Agenda is Nigeria’s chance to reposition the industry.
“At the last FEC meeting, we approved the NCMB to help revitalise cocoa production and strengthen the entire value chain,” he said.
He emphasised the need for Nigeria to begin processing cocoa rather than merely exporting raw beans.
Shettima told the WCF team that Nigeria has a large pool of capable, youthful manpower ready to engage in agriculture.
“We don’t just want to be producers. A tonne of cocoa earns $9,000, but processed cocoa can fetch $30,000.
“If transformed into chocolate bars, returns can go up to $50,000. That’s significant added value.
“We have the population. The average Nigerian is 17 years old — young, energetic, and eager to work given the right opportunity.
“This is heartfelt. We’re eager to partner with your organisation to achieve these goals,” he said.
Shettima disclosed he is personally establishing a cocoa farm to lead by example and encourage others.
Read also: Aiyedatiwa calls for joint action to boost cocoa production
He explained that his motivation was not profit, but a commitment to improving social welfare through employment creation.
“I want to walk the talk. It’s not about profit, but about creating jobs and improving livelihoods.
“You’re welcome to visit my farm. You’ll see that Nigeria’s leadership is actively involved and committed to driving this initiative,” he said.
Shettima assured Nigeria’s willingness to work with WCF, and said he would engage Taraba State’s governor to secure 10,000 hectares for cocoa development.
This land, he said, would support WCF and other partners in expanding investment in the cocoa sector.
Earlier, Vincent expressed WCF’s readiness to partner with Nigeria in line with the European Union’s sustainable cocoa regulations.
“We face a global cocoa shortage. Prices have quadrupled in the last three years.
“We’re seeking new, sustainable cocoa sources. WCF represents the entire global supply chain, including top chocolate and cocoa manufacturers.
“We align with industries that aim for sustainable growth. Nigeria’s ambition to grow cocoa is very promising.
“The time is now. With current supply deficits, the next two to three years present real growth opportunities,” Vincent stated.
Businessday.ng
Business
Black Market Naira To Dollar Exchange Rate Today 12th January 2026
What is the Dollar to Naira Exchange rate at the black market, also known as the parallel market (Aboki fx)?
You can swap your dollar for Naira at these rates.
How much is a dollar to naira today in the black market?
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players buy a dollar for N1490 and sell at N1505 on Sunday, 11th January 2026 according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Black Market Exchange Rate Today 12th January, 2026
Buying Rate N1485
Selling Rate N1500
The exchange rate between the US dollar (USD) and the Nigerian naira (NGN) which rate we have given above; is a topic of high constant interest for people who are Nigerian and businesses and policymakers in Nigeria.
This rate of dollars to naira exchange rate influences not only the cost of imported goods but also the cost of travel, international education, and even local prices of certain commodities.
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Business
BREAKING: Petrol Depot Owners Crash Prices To Cheapest; Details Emerge
Petrol prices at Nigerian depots have dropped to their lowest levels in months as intense competition grips the downstream market, following the apparent collapse of the fuel supply agreement between the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and independent marketers.
Fresh findings show that depot owners have slashed ex-depot prices to as low as N710 per litre, a sharp reversal from the steep hikes recorded just weeks earlier.,
In the first week of January 2026, depot owners sharply increased gantry prices after reports emerged that the Dangote Refinery had shut down its petrol production unit for maintenance.
Although the refinery denied the reports, the speculation was enough to jolt the market.
Depot prices surged, and the increases quickly filtered through to filling stations nationwide.
Independent marketers raised gantry prices from around N720 per litre to over N800 per litre, with analysts noting that depot operators were exploiting uncertainty surrounding Africa’s largest refinery.
Depot owners reverse course as competition intensifies
The price spike, however, has proven short-lived.
Checks reveal that depot owners have now reversed course, cutting prices aggressively to stay competitive with Dangote Refinery’s pricing structure, especially as fresh fuel imports enter the Nigerian market.
Data from PetroleumPriceNG shows that several major depots reduced prices significantly in recent days.
As of Sunday, January 11, 2026, ShellPlux sold petrol at N710 per litre, MAO at N715, while A.Y.M.
Falling crude oil prices add more pressure
Energy experts say global oil market dynamics are also contributing to the decline in local petrol prices.
“Crude oil is currently trading between $50 and $60 per barrel in the international market,” energy policy analyst Adeola Yusuf told Legit.ng.
According to him, ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Venezuela and Iran have pushed crude prices lower, with direct implications for refined fuel costs.
“Crude oil is often used as a political tool and is highly sensitive to geopolitical developments. When prices drop, refined product prices usually follow, especially in domestic markets,” Yusuf explained.
Business
Good News: Cooking Gas Prices Drop As LPG Supply Improves Across Nigeria
Prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, are crashing in several parts of the country as retailers report improved supplies.
According to a market survey by PUNCH, retailers and consumers confirmed that prices have dropped and the product has become more available across the country.
This development follows months of scarcity, which led to a nationwide hike in prices. The scarcity peaked in September 2025.
Consumers in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and other states confirmed that they purchased cooking gas within the N1,050 to N1,400 range. Some major marketers were also reported to be selling directly to consumers at around N900 per kilogramme.
For many households, the current prices represent a significant improvement from the sharp increases recorded last year, when LPG prices surged after a dispute involving the Dangote refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) led to the shutdown of some gas facilities.
Despite the improvement, several consumers said they were hopeful that prices would fall below N1,000 per kilogramme in the new year, arguing that lower costs are critical to promoting clean cooking and reducing reliance on firewood and kerosene.
Speaking on the situation, the National Chairman of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Ayobami Olarinoye, said the LPG market had become relatively stable, with increased supply reaching Lagos.
According to Olarinoye, some off-takers are now receiving gas in Apapa, Lagos, helping to ease availability challenges experienced in previous months.
He explained that retail prices at street-level outlets currently range between N1,300 and N1,400 per kilogramme, noting that costs vary based on neighbourhoods, transportation and logistics.
Olarinoye added that prices could be lower at filling stations and gas plants, where operational and distribution costs are reduced.
He further disclosed that retailers currently purchase LPG from major marketers at prices between N960 and N1,050 per kilogram, depending on the supplier. According to the NUPENG official, sellers offering LPG below N1,000 per kilogramme are typically major dealers who own their own plants and sell directly to end users and do not distribute to retailers.
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