NCAN vows to resist manipulation of Cashew Roadmap, expels Adesokan over impersonation
- NCAN vowed to resist any manipulation of Nigeria’s cashew roadmap and insisted on an inclusive review process involving all value chain stakeholders
- The association expelled Ademola Adesokan over alleged impersonation and called for an investigation into possible collaborators
- The AGM endorsed governance reforms and approved a 500 million cashew seedling expansion project to boost industry growth
The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has vowed to resist any attempt to manipulate Nigeria’s cashew development roadmap, warning that such actions would undermine farmers’ interests and the integrity of the sector.
The association made the declaration in a communiqué issued at the end of its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on Tuesday in Abuja, shortly after the 4th Nigeria Cashew Day. The event was themed ‘Unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s cashew industry through investment, innovation and global trade’ and was jointly organised by NCAN and the African Cashew Alliance.
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NCAN insists on inclusive review of cashew roadmap
According to the communiqué, the AGM resolved that all segments of the cashew value chain must be represented in any review of the roadmap before it is validated.
“The AGM resolved that representatives from all segments of the cashew value chain shall be convened in a single forum to review the Roadmap document prior to any validation,” the association stated.
It warned that any secretive effort to influence the document would be firmly opposed.
“Any clandestine review or collusion between individuals and/or organisations to influence the Roadmap shall be regarded as a deliberate attempt to undermine the interests of our farmers and compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s cashew sector, and such acts shall be resisted through all legal and regulatory measures available to the Association,” the communiqué added.
Adesokan expelled over alleged impersonation
NCAN also announced the expulsion of Mr Ademola Adesokan from the association over allegations of impersonation and other activities said to contravene its constitution.
“The AGM resolved to expel Mr Ademola Adesokan for undermining the integrity of the Association by unlawfully convening a purported Interim Executive Council and an unauthorised AGM in Lagos on 20 January 2026,” the communiqué said.
It further noted that Adesokan, who registered as a member in June 2025, allegedly attempted to assume leadership roles within three months, in violation of the NCAN Constitution.
“The AGM noted that Mr Adesokan attempted to assume leadership roles and/or convene electoral processes within three months, in breach of the NCAN Constitution (2017), which requires that no member shall be eligible to contest or hold executive office unless they have paid annual dues for at least two consecutive years and actively participated in NCAN activities,” it stated.
According to NCAN, his actions also violated provisions granting only the association’s president the authority to convene AGMs.
Probe sought into alleged collaborators
The AGM further called for an investigation into Mr Babalola Faseru over alleged connivance with Adesokan.
“The AGM called for a full investigation into the culpability of Mr Babalola Faseru and others in Mr Adesokan’s unlawful activities and recommended possible disciplinary action at the next AGM,” the communiqué said.
Governance reforms and vacant offices addressed
NCAN disclosed that vacant offices created by the demise of the Vice President, South-South, and the Financial Secretary would be filled through nominations from the affected zones in line with established procedures.
The AGM also resolved to review the NCAN Constitution to clearly define the functions of the Board of Trustees and strengthen governance.
“The President is mandated to expedite the formation of a Constitution Review Committee, with ratification scheduled for the next AGM or an Extraordinary AGM if necessary,” it added.
Cashew seedling expansion and MoU acknowledged
The AGM endorsed a 500 million cashew seedling production and distribution project for 2026, led by the Office of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, building on the 120,000 seedlings distributed by NCAN in 2025.
“The AGM mandated President Dr Ojo Joseph Ajanaku to liaise with the Office of the Vice President to advance cashew production in Nigeria,” the communiqué said.
It also acknowledged a memorandum of understanding with VINACAS and resolved to ensure timely implementation of the agreed framework.
Summit outlines pathway for industry growth
At the Nigeria Cashew Summit, stakeholders resolved to sustain growth in the sector through a balanced, market-driven framework that expands production, protects farmer incomes and accelerates domestic value addition.
They called for urgent scaling of domestic processing capacity through public-private partnerships, improved access to finance, reliable energy supply and efficient logistics infrastructure.
Cashew processors were encouraged to adopt backward integration models, while stakeholders emphasised incentive-based policies, quality assurance, certification and compliance with international standards to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets.
The communiqué was jointly signed by NCAN National President, Dr Ojo Joseph Ajanaku; National Secretary, Engr Unekwuojo Augustine Edime; Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr Sunday Uzoechi; and BOT Secretary, Mr Abraham Adesina.
Source: Legit.ng
