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European Union

Ekiti State Selected as Pilot State for European Union Deforestation Regulation Compliance Project

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Ekiti State in Nigeria has been chosen by the European Union as one of the pilot states to implement the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Compliance Project. The state's robust forestry regulations and strong commitment to sustainable farming practices were key factors in its selection. The Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, announced the news after receiving a delegation from the TRACE Project, which includes representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), GIZ, and the European Union. The delegation is partnering to drive the initiative, which aims to ensure that cocoa and other select products exported to the European Union are from areas that have not been deforested.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ekiti State has been selected as one of the pilot states to implement the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Compliance Project in Nigeria, alongside nine other states.
  • The EUDR regulation takes effect in January 2026 and requires cocoa and other select products exported to the European Union to be from areas that have not been deforested during the entire course of the production of the cocoa.
  • Ekiti State's selection as a pilot location was recognised as a result of its robust forestry regulations and strong commitment to sustainable farming practices.
  • The state has clear regulatory guidelines on protected forest areas and zones earmarked for sustainable agriculture, which align with the objectives of the EUDR.
  • Ekiti State is currently working on the Land Use Land Cover (LULC) system with support from the UK-funded Propcom++ programme to enhance sustainable land management.
  • Over the next few weeks, the Ministry will intensify collaboration with cocoa exporters, brokers, local buying agents, and farmers to harmonise interventions that will ensure smooth compliance with the new EU requirements.
  • Governor Biodun Oyebanji is credited with Ekiti's selection through his emphasis on environmental sustainability, agricultural transformation, and global competitiveness.
  • The TRACE Project, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food for Progress Program, aims to improve Nigeria's cocoa productivity through climate-smart agriculture and strengthening traceability to boost international market access.

Statistics:

  • Ekiti State is one of the nine pilot states selected to implement the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Compliance Project.
  • The EUDR regulation takes effect in January 2026.
  • The EU select products exported to the European Union will have to be from areas that have not been deforested during the entire course of the production of the cocoa.
  • The state currently working on the Land Use Land Cover (LULC) system.

Sources:

  • Ekiti State Government
  • TRACE Project
  • Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
  • GIZ
  • European Union
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food for Progress Program
  • UK-funded Propcom++ programme

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