With the growing need to diversify the economy through the exploration of solid minerals as well as revive the manufacturing sector of Nigeria, the Ondo State government disclosed that it would commence the production of chocolate by 2016. The Ondo State government concluded plans to resuscitate its moribund cocoa factory at Idanre suitable for chocolate with huge potentials for the production capacity.
Out of the 36 states in Nigeria, Ondo state, located in the southwest, is the highest producer of cocoa. The plan to begin chocolate production in April 2016 aims to boost the manufacturing sector in Nigeria and open more widows of opportunity for income generation in the state. However, Ondo state Governor Mimiko has a list of failed promises, which include the reactivation of Okitipupa oil factory, rehabilitation of township roads, construction of Arigidi Akoko Tomato Industry and Ekulese Cement factory.
Even though there is a certain appeal to the indigenous production of chocolate, the government has to take measures in curbing various challenges that might affect this project. These challenges include extreme weather condition, pests, diseases, instability, bad fertilizer and policies in the world cocoa market. However, the rainfall determines cocoa yield in the state, since agricultural production in part of the tropics is rain-fed.
Employment Opportunities
The production of chocolate will be extremely important to both farmers and citizens of the country. According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate in Nigeria increased to 7.50 per cent in the first quarter of 2015 from 6.40 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2014.
According to Dr. Jibayo Oyebade, the Chairman of the Ondo Cocoa Revolution Project, the consumption of chocolate made from the cocoa beans in Ondo state also has implications for health care since the chocolate will contain natural sugar sourced from fruits and sugarcane, and not synthetic sugar. The consumption of chocolate can also cure various ailments such as high cholesterol, heart disease, high blood pressure, hemorrhoids, stroke, cancer, diabetes, stress, blood clots, and cough.
From 2008 to 2013 Nigeria’s importation of chocolate bars increased by 98%, which underscores that the demand is high. If the factory is ready by 2016, chocolate consumers will be more than ready.
