Kogi cashew dealers demand govt action against foreign buyers

• Published On: 15 February 2025 at 20:19

Cashew dealers in Kogi State have called on the government to intervene and prevent foreign buyers from disrupting the cashew value chain. They warn that this practice is exacerbating poverty and jeopardizing local jobs.

In a statement, Baba Mohammed, Board of Trustees Chairman of the Kogi Cashew Dealers Stakeholders Association, accused foreign buyers, particularly Indians, of bypassing local merchants and buying directly from farmers.

According to Mohammed, this practice disrupts the cashew trade, lowers farmer earnings, and contributes to rising insecurity in the state.

"The appeal we intend to make is clear. "We are asking the state government to intervene and stop foreigners from distorting, corrupting, and interfering with the cashew value chain," he said.

The KCDSA chairman emphasized that foreign buyers should follow the appropriate value chain rather than bypassing local merchants.

"The reason this is significant is that these foreigners' actions will plunge local farmers into abject poverty. Their goal appears to be simple: come here and export a product that is already ready for export," he said.

Mohammed stated that the problem has existed for more than 30 years and was a major topic at a recent industry meeting in Lagos. He cautioned that unchecked foreign influence could result in "a new form of colonization."

Idris Yakub, Vice Chairman of the Kogi Cashew Dealers Association, echoed these concerns, claiming that foreigners are taking over the roles of local buyers, driving down prices and shortchanging farmers.

"Our farmers, who are not exposed to these market dynamics, are frequently misled." Many of them have never seen foreigners before, and when they do, they believe they will get a better deal. Unfortunately, they are being exploited," Yakub explained.

He stated that a federal policy prohibits foreigners from purchasing directly from farmers, adding, "This policy was put in place under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, and it should be enforced."

Yakub warned that foreign buyers' unchecked activities are harming farmers while also fueling insecurity in the state.