The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), under the leadership of its National President, Dr. Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, has announced that it is not associated with the Cashew Policy Validation Workshop reportedly scheduled by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
In a statement jointly signed by the National President and Executive Secretary of the Association, Unekwuojo Augustine Edime, on Wednesday, NCAN clarified that it neither approved, participated in, nor endorsed the planned policy validation exercise.
The association stated that the clarification became necessary to prevent misconceptions among its members, stakeholders, development partners, government agencies, and the general public regarding its involvement in the event.
“NCAN, wishes to inform its members, stakeholders, development partners, and the general public that the Association did not authorize, participate in, or endorse the validation workshop,” the statement read.
The leadership of the association further warned that any individual or group attending the workshop or presenting themselves as representatives of NCAN would be acting without the approval or mandate of the association’s recognized leadership.
According to the statement, any views, commitments, recommendations, resolutions, or positions presented by such persons should not be regarded as the official stance of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria.
The association stressed that policies affecting the cashew sector must be developed through a transparent and inclusive process that involves proper consultation with all relevant stakeholders, particularly authorized representatives of industry bodies.
“NCAN believes that the formulation and validation of policies affecting Nigeria’s cashew industry should be based on broad stakeholder consultation, transparency, inclusiveness, and engagement with the duly authorized leadership of relevant industry bodies,” the statement added.
The group therefore formally dissociated itself from the proposed validation exercise and any possible outcomes from the process, noting that it was neither involved in the planning nor approval of the workshop.
“The Association therefore respectfully dissociates itself from the proposed validation exercise and any outcome arising therefrom, as the Association has neither participated in nor endorsed the process,” NCAN stated.
Despite its position on the workshop, the association reaffirmed its readiness to work with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and other stakeholders to develop policies capable of strengthening Nigeria’s cashew industry.
NCAN said it remains committed to promoting sustainable growth, improved competitiveness, and increased global relevance for Nigeria’s cashew sector, while welcoming engagements conducted through its duly authorized representatives.
The association also urged government institutions, development partners, industry players, and members of the public to verify any claims of representation made on behalf of NCAN through the association’s officially recognized leadership channels.