The Ondo State Government has officially flagged off a 1,000-hectare coffee plantation initiative aimed at revitalising agriculture and repositioning the state in global coffee production.
The launch ceremony took place at the State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Akure during a two-day sensitisation and training programme on coffee production and value chain development, organised in partnership with a private investor and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the project as historic, saying it would restore Ondo’s past prominence in coffee production while creating thousands of jobs across the agricultural value chain.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Leye Akinola, the governor recalled that Ondo State was once a leading producer of premium Robusta coffee for export before the industry declined due to policy inconsistencies, ageing plantations, and neglect.
He noted that coffee remained a major global commodity valued at over $460 billion, describing it as a strategic economic opportunity for the state.
According to him, the 1,000-hectare project is expected to directly engage more than 2,000 farmers while also creating additional jobs in nurseries, cultivation, processing, packaging, and export services.
“A well-managed hectare of coffee farmland could yield between 1.5 and 2 tonnes, describing the projection as a strong economic incentive for farmers and investors,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa also disclosed plans to move beyond raw production by developing local capacity for roasting, branding, and packaging “Made-in-Ondo” coffee for premium international markets.
He outlined government support measures for the project, including land allocation to investors and cooperatives, deployment of extension officers, construction of rural access roads, and guaranteed off-take arrangements.
“No farmer in Ondo State will cultivate coffee without a ready and reliable market,” he said.
The governor identified Akure North, Idanre, Ifedore, and Akoko areas as suitable for coffee cultivation due to favourable climate and soil conditions.
He called on traditional rulers to support land mobilisation efforts and urged young people to embrace agriculture as a profitable 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 it aligns with the state’s development agenda.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Foluke Tunde-Daramola, assured that technical officers would be deployed to ensure the project’s success.
Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of NACOFTAN, Ayodele Akinwumi, said the initiative marks the beginning of a structured effort to position Ondo as Nigeria’s coffee hub, adding that over 10,000 hectares have already been identified for future expansion.
He noted that Nigeria currently contributes less than 0.02 per cent to global coffee production despite its potential, adding that Ondo’s Robusta variety could compete internationally if properly developed.
