COCOA PROCESSING PLANT TO BE READY SOON IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Cocoa processing plant soon to become operational in Southern Nigeria.

Ongoing construction works at the 30,000 tonnes per annum cocoa processing plant in Ikom, Cross river has been satisfactory. This is according to the state governor Prof. Ben Ayade, who was very excited by the delivery of the equipment for the plant.

The governor said the plant will be ready soon for inauguration. When complete the plant will process cocoa beans into chocolate bars. It will also be the first first cocoa processing plant in Africa that will process cocoa beans to chocolate.

The plant would bring about the value-chain addition to cocoa, which would eventually enrich cocoa farmers in the state. The plant once operational will offer cocoa farmers the opportunity, platform and industry to process their own cocoa, giving a premium value for money.

There will also be a cocoa house, where farmers can sell their products during harvest season.

The Governor urged the people of the central senatorial district to see the cocoa processing plant as their own project to ensure its success.