By Abubakar Shuaibu A.
In a bid to deepen control over its agricultural resources and enhance Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the Kogi State Government on Tuesday formalized an agreement with Agro Trading Consult Limited (ATCL) ahead of the 2026 cashew season.
The agreement, which engages ATCL as the exclusive strategic operational partner and technical consultant for the 2026 cashew commodity season, was signed in Lokoja.
Signing on behalf of the State Government, the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State (SGS), Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D, expressed delight with the partnership, noting that it will boost revenue generation, create wealth, and provide employment opportunities for youths across the state.
According to the SGS, the agreement is also designed to protect cashew farmers from exploitation by middlemen, enabling them to sell their produce competitively within the international market.
“This partnership places Kogi State at a strategic advantage, considering that the state produces one of the finest cashew varieties globally. It will also encourage investors to establish cashew processing plants within the state, stimulate economic activities, and ensure farmers receive real value for their produce,” she said.
Mrs. Ayoade commended Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and praised the Director General and management of the Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency (KOSCEPA) for living up to expectations. She urged the consulting firm to ensure full and faithful implementation of all terms of the agreement.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of KOSCEPA, Chief Adewale Victor Omofaiye, said the agency is committed to revitalizing the cashew industry and strengthening the state’s agricultural economy.
He noted that the signing of the agreement with Agro Trading Consult Ltd is a testament to the agency’s efforts, adding that the partnership will deliver significant economic benefits to the state.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Agro Trading Consult Ltd, Dr. Jude Osilama, assured the Kogi State Government that the firm would deploy its expertise to professionally manage the cashew value chain, boost economic activities, improve farmers’ morale, and create youth employment, while ensuring strict adherence to the terms of the agreement.
