The Kwara State Cashew Nuts Association has announced an immediate lockdown on the buying of raw cashew nuts, effective 18 February 2026, in Ilorin, Kwara State. 

The decision was communicated by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Mr.  Abbey Awuni, to Agripreneur Insights TV, who said the measure is intended to regulate market activity within the cashew value chain.

The announcement comes as Nigeria continues to debate policies on raw cashew exports and domestic processing. 

Discussions at the national level have focused on whether to restrict raw exports to promote local value addition.

Earlier this year, stakeholders at the Annual General Meeting of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) in Lagos opposed an outright ban on raw cashew exports. 

They stated that such measures could affect farmer livelihoods and destabilise farm-gate prices if local processing capacity remains insufficient.

Industry representatives have warned that limiting exports without expanding processing infrastructure may lead to excess supply, lower prices for farmers, and income losses in rural communities. 

They also mentioned that investment in processing plants is necessary before major restrictions can succeed.

Others have argued that regulating buying activities, including operations by unlicensed traders and foreign intermediaries, could strengthen domestic processing in the long term. 

Supporters of reform say Nigeria must reduce dependence on raw commodity exports to retain value, create jobs, and improve export earnings.

The Kwara directive highlights ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s cashew sector. 

Farmers, traders, and processors are assessing how the suspension may affect harvest activities, pricing, and supply chains within the state.

Stakeholders, including cooperatives, buyers, processors, and policymakers, are expected to hold consultations in the coming days to clarify the impact of the buying halt and discuss measures to protect farmers while supporting sustainable growth in Nigeria’s cashew industry.

Source: Agripreneur Insights