Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has been recognised with an Award of Recognition by International Cocoa Diplomacy (ICD) for his pivotal role in strengthening the country’s cocoa industry and supporting reforms that enhance value addition, attract private-sector investment, and boost long-term competitiveness.

The award was presented in Abuja by His Majesty, Oba Dokun Thompson, Oloni of Eti-Oni and Founder of ICD, alongside Queen Angelique-Monet Gureje-Thompson, President of Eti-Oni Development Group and Director of ICD, and Mr. Ayo Akinola, member of the National Cocoa Management Committee.

The recognition underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to positioning cocoa as a key driver of Nigeria’s non-oil economy, fostering industrialisation, job creation, rural prosperity, and export growth. It also highlights growing collaboration between government, traditional institutions, and industry actors as Nigeria transitions from exporting raw commodities to developing a globally competitive cocoa value-added manufacturing ecosystem.