Cocoa growers working within the Idanre and Akure forest reserves have formally challenged a state proposal that would charge two hundred fifty thousand naira per hectare for mapping and agroforestry permits. Their petition argues that the levy far exceeds existing fees and threatens to drive smallholders into financial distress amid a downturn in market prices. The policy is said to align with European Union deforestation rules but would impose a five-year permit limit that farmers describe as unfair compared with longer leases granted to large investors.
The letter from legal counsel highlights that small-scale operators currently pay only twenty thousand naira per hectare and rely on volunteer efforts to meet environmental requirements. Growers point out that polygon mapping is provided free by exporters outside forest zones and that tree-planting kits cost about five thousand naira, not one hundred thousand naira as proposed. They warn that the high cost of compliance on their scale will undermine cocoa production and jeopardize rural livelihoods.
Farmers have urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to reduce the per-hectare charge, extend permit durations to fifty years, and subsidize mapping exercises. They call for fees that reflect real market costs and for permit terms that recognize the long-term nature of cocoa cultivation.
The letter from legal counsel highlights that small-scale operators currently pay only twenty thousand naira per hectare and rely on volunteer efforts to meet environmental requirements. Growers point out that polygon mapping is provided free by exporters outside forest zones and that tree-planting kits cost about five thousand naira, not one hundred thousand naira as proposed. They warn that the high cost of compliance on their scale will undermine cocoa production and jeopardize rural livelihoods.
Farmers have urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to reduce the per-hectare charge, extend permit durations to fifty years, and subsidize mapping exercises. They call for fees that reflect real market costs and for permit terms that recognize the long-term nature of cocoa cultivation.
