The Ondo State Government has launched a 1,000-hectare coffee farming initiative aimed at reviving the state’s once-thriving coffee industry and creating thousands of jobs across the agricultural value chain.
The project was unveiled in Akure during a two-day sensitisation and training programme on coffee production and value chain development organised by the state government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and a private investor.
Speaking at the event, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the initiative as a major milestone that would reposition Ondo State as a leading player in Nigeria’s coffee sector.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Leye Akinola, the governor recalled that Ondo State previously ranked among the country’s leading producers of premium Robusta coffee for export before the sector declined due to inconsistent policies, ageing plantations, and years of neglect.
According to him, the state is now taking deliberate steps to restore its position in the coffee industry and leverage opportunities within the global coffee market, valued at more than $460 billion.
Aiyedatiwa stated that the 1,000-hectare scheme would directly engage more than 2,000 farmers while generating additional employment opportunities in nursery operations, cultivation, processing, packaging, and export services.
He explained that a properly managed hectare of coffee farmland could produce between 1.5 and two tonnes, making the crop a profitable venture for both farmers and investors.
The governor also disclosed that the state government, in partnership with private investors, plans to move beyond raw coffee production by developing local capacity for roasting, branding, and packaging “Made-in-Ondo” coffee for premium international markets.
To ensure the success of the initiative, he said the government would provide land allocation for investors and cooperatives, deploy agricultural extension officers, construct rural access roads to farming clusters, and facilitate guaranteed off-take arrangements through relevant agencies and private sector partners.
“No farmer in Ondo State will cultivate coffee without a ready and reliable market”, he assured.
Aiyedatiwa identified Akure North, Idanre, Ifedore, and Akoko areas as suitable locations for coffee cultivation because of their favourable soil conditions, rainfall pattern, and altitude.
He urged traditional rulers to support land mobilisation efforts and encouraged youths to embrace agriculture as a viable and profitable business venture.
“Coffee farming is a smart business. With these 1,000 hectares, we are unlocking thousands of opportunities for enterprise,” he said.
The governor commended the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria (NACOFTAN), Ondo State chapter, and Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited for supporting the initiative, noting that the programme aligns with the state government’s “OUR EASE” development agenda.
“Today, we plant more than seedlings; we plant hope. We plant prosperity. Ondo State has reclaimed its rightful place on the national coffee map,” he added.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Foluke Tunde-Daramola, assured participants that the government would provide technical support and deploy necessary personnel to ensure the project succeeds.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria, Ayodele Akinwumi, said the initiative marked the beginning of a coordinated effort to position Ondo as Nigeria’s leading coffee production hub.
He revealed that more than 10,000 hectares of land had already been identified across Akoko, Owo, Idanre, Ore, and Ifedore corridors for future expansion of coffee cultivation in the state.
Akinwumi lamented that Nigeria currently contributes less than 0.02 per cent to global coffee production despite its vast agricultural potential, adding that Ondo’s Robusta coffee variety has the quality required to compete in international markets.
