Nigeria possesses the greatest potential among cocoa-producing nations to satisfy the world's growing appetite for the commodity, according to a leading agribusiness executive. This advantage stems from the country's abundant fertile land, conducive climate, and reliable rainfall patterns.
Unveiling a New Agricultural Frontier
Dr. Ebenezer Akinrinade, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GestPoint Nigeria Limited, made this declaration during the official launch of a major new agricultural project. The initiative, named Cocoa RepubliQ, is a 200-acre agriculture estate situated in Shapala Village, within the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
He described the scheme as a venture driven by both economic foresight and national necessity. Through its subsidiary, GestPoint Agro-Allied Limited, the project is open to investors with a minimum commitment of N3 million, promising the potential for multiplied returns.
Bridging the Investment Gap in Agriculture
Akinrinade detailed that the estate is specifically designed to cater to several key investor groups. These include Nigerians living abroad who want dollar-hedged, export-focused assets; agriculture enthusiasts looking for a structured way to participate in the sector; remote workers and professionals seeking passive income streams; and high-net-worth individuals aiming to diversify their portfolios and preserve capital.
He identified a critical market gap: many potential investors are keen on agriculture but lack the technical know-how, time for daily farm management, or a trustworthy platform for their funds. Cocoa RepubliQ was created to bridge this gap, effectively connecting investment capital with professional farm management to generate sustainable income and create a positive national impact.
With Nigeria's population expected to surpass 400 million by 2050, Akinrinade emphasized that investing in agricultural estate development now addresses the anticipated massive future demand for food, agricultural exports, and crucial foreign exchange earnings.
Strong Revenue Outlook Backed by Global Demand
The revenue potential for investors is significant. Dr. Akinrinade projected an annual revenue range of N5 million to N8 million, depending on factors such as the number of acres owned, crop yield performance, global cocoa prices, and export market conditions.
This optimistic outlook is underpinned by robust global demand for cocoa and Nigeria's established position as a leading global exporter. "Nigeria is uniquely positioned to meet this demand owing to fertile agricultural land, steady rainfall, favourable climate and strong global demand for cocoa," he reiterated.
The operational model ensures professional management. The company's in-house cocoa experts, each boasting over 13 years of hands-on experience in cultivation, plantation management, harvesting, and export processes, will manage the farms.
"We are planting 400 seedlings of cocoa on one acre of land," Akinrinade explained. "We have experts who will nurture them for the next three years. The land is protected for farming and can sustain operations for over 20 years." He noted that cocoa trees are productive for 25 to 30 years, aligning perfectly with the project's long-term vision.
He also highlighted a unique future benefit for investors: "At the end of the cocoa production lifecycle... investors may collectively decide to replant cocoa for another cycle, or reclassify the land for residential or alternative use... This provides both agricultural income security and future land-use optionality."
