Nigeria’s cocoa crisis deepens as rains ruin beans and crash prices

• Prolonged rains delay cocoa drying across key Nigerian hubs
• Farmers warn 2025 export target at risk

LAGOS, NIGERIA – Nigeria’s cocoa bean quality is deteriorating this harvest season as persistent rainfall prevents farmers from drying their beans properly, raising concerns about the country’s export targets and global supply.

Farmers say drying now takes 12 to 14 days instead of the usual seven due to a lack of sunlight, a delay that risks damaging the beans and reducing their weight and oil content.