The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), the umbrella body for the country’s cashew farmers and processors, has been thrown into a leadership crisis following claims by a faction announcing the formation of an interim executive council.
The splinter group, reportedly led by Mr. Ademola Adesokan, accused the current leadership of failing to protect farmers from exploitation, distortion of the cashew value chain, and unchecked activities of foreign merchants who allegedly bypass local agents to buy directly from farmers. The group also criticised delays in implementing the national Cashew Roadmap, which is designed to boost local processing and exports.
In a swift response, the recognised NCAN president, Dr. Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, dismissed the development as the work of “impostors” bent on destabilising the association. He reaffirmed that no interim executive exists, insisting his administration remains the legitimate leadership, having been duly elected.
Backing Ajanaku, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has formally recognised him as the association’s president, reinforcing that there is no vacuum or parallel leadership in NCAN.
The leadership tussle highlights deeper concerns within the cashew sector. Farmers complain of poor pricing, exploitation at farm gates, and lack of enforcement of policies meant to regulate buyers and strengthen local value addition. Stakeholders fear that the crisis, if unresolved, could stall Nigeria’s ambition of turning cashew into a major non-oil export earner.
Industry observers warn that continued division within NCAN may weaken the bargaining power of farmers, allow foreign interests to dominate the market further, and undermine government’s push for cashew as a key contributor to foreign exchange earnings and rural job creation.
