Senate Steps Down Cocoa Management Board Bill After Tinubu’s Request

The Senate on Tuesday stepped down deliberations on the Cocoa Management Board Establishment Bill 2025, following a request from President Bola Tinubu for further consultations.

The request, conveyed in a letter dated November 12 and read on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, directed lawmakers to pause legislative action on the bill.

Tinubu said in the letter said, “I write to refer to the Cocoa Management Board Establishment Bill 2025, earlier transmitted to the Senate, and to request the distinguished Senate President and distinguished Senators to kindly stand down the legislative actions on the bill. This is to enable further consultations.”

Responding immediately after reading the president’s letter, Akpabio confirmed that the upper chamber had complied with the directive.

“This is stood down in line with the presidential request,” he said.

Tinubu had earlier transmitted the National Cocoa Board Establishment Bill 2025 to the Senate on November 10.

The proposed board, according to the president, is expected to ensure effective coordination of the cocoa value chain, improve standards, and strengthen Nigeria’s participation in the global cocoa economy.

The Senate is expected to revisit the bill after additional consultations requested by the presidency.