The bill seeking to establish the National Cashew Production and Research Institute has passed its first reading in the Senate.
Sponsored by Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, representing Kogi East Senatorial District, the proposed institute will be located in Idah, the headquarters of the Igala Kingdom. It will focus on cashew research, processing, and boosting production for both local consumption and export.
According to documents made available to journalists, the Federal Government aims to leverage Kogi State’s abundant cashew production—alongside other parts of the country—to ensure Nigeria’s cashew meets global quality standards.
Senator Echocho emphasised that the institute’s legal framework will identify opportunities across the cashew value chain, ensuring job creation for the nation’s growing youth population.