Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria - CRIN

02/10/2026

On behalf of the Management, Staff and the entire Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), I warmly congratulate all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora on the occasion of our 66th Independence Day.

Today, we celebrate not only our freedom, but also the collective strength, resilience and hope of a great nation. Nigeria's independence is a testament to the courage and sacrifices of our heroes, and it remains a call to all of us to work harder towards a more prosperous, food security and sustainable future.

At CRIN, we remain committed to research and innovation for the development of our six mandate crops — Cocoa, Cashew, Coffee, Kola, Tea and Black Plum — as we contribute to national food security, economic growth and the wellbeing of our people.

Let us renew our commitment to unity, peace and patriotism, and build a Nigeria that works for all.

14/09/2026

01/09/2026

OFFICIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWLY PROMOTED DIRECTORS
The Management and Staff of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) warmly congratulate six distinguished members of the Institute who have been promoted from the position of Assistant Director to Director.
The newly promoted Directors are:
Dr. Paul E. Aikpokpodion
Dr. Kayode Oluyole
Dr. Eghosa Osas Uwagboe
Dr. Richard O. Igbionadolor
Dr. Okeniyi Olusayo Michael
Dr. Taiwo Elizabeth Ogunjobi
This well-deserved promotion is a recognition of their dedication, professionalism, leadership, and significant contributions to the advancement of the Institute and the agricultural research sector.
The Management celebrates this remarkable achievement and wishes the newly promoted Directors continued success, wisdom and excellence as they assume their new responsibilities.
Congratulations to our newly promoted Directors!
Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN)
Researching Today for a Better Cocoa Future.

17/08/2026

*Plant Pathology Section Holds Seminar for Outgoing IT Students*

The Plant Pathology Section of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) held a seminar for its outgoing Industrial Training (IT) students on Monday, 27th July 2026, at the Virology Laboratory.

The seminar provided a platform for the students to present the knowledge and practical experiences they acquired during their industrial training at the Plant Pathology Section.

The presenters were:

- Azeez Latifat Sarah and Ibrahim Joy Sidicat, both from Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, and

- Hassan Balikis Oyindamola from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Head (Plant Pathology Section), Dr. B. A. Ogundeji, Directors, other members of staff, NYSC Corps members, and fellow IT students attended the seminar and actively participated in the discussions by asking questions and offering constructive feedbacks to the presenters.

The seminar, meant to be held regularly, underscores CRIN's commitment to capacity building, practical training, and mentorship of young scientists by providing opportunities for students to showcase their learning, and develop their presentation and scientific communication skills.

17/08/2026

CRIN CELEBRATES MR. AYOKUNNU ABODERIN
🎉 CONGRATULATIONS, MR. AYOKUNNU ABODERIN! 🏐🇳🇬
The Management and Staff of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) proudly congratulate Mr. Ayokunnu Aboderin, a dedicated staff member of the Institute, on his appointment as National Assistant Coach 1 of the Nigeria Under-19 Boys Volleyball Team.
This prestigious appointment is a testament to his dedication, competence and valuable contribution to the development of volleyball and youth sports in Nigeria.
CRIN is proud of this remarkable achievement and wishes him every success in his new national assignment. We are confident that he will continue to uphold the values of excellence and professionalism while contributing to the success of the Nigerian Under-19 Boys Volleyball Team.
Congratulations once again, Mr. Ayokunnu Aboderin!
We wish you a successful and rewarding tenure. CRIN is proud of you! 👏🏐🇳🇬

21/07/2026

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FLAGS OFF ONE MILLION IMPROVED COCOA SEEDLINGS DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMME TO REVITALISE NIGERIA'S COCOA INDUSTRY
Ibadan, Oyo State | July 1, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in collaboration with the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, officially flagged off the One Million Improved Cocoa Seedlings Distribution Programme at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The initiative is aimed at revitalising Nigeria's cocoa industry by providing improved, high-yielding and disease-resistant cocoa seedlings to farmers across the country. It also seeks to increase cocoa production, rejuvenate ageing plantations, improve farmers' livelihoods, create employment opportunities and enhance Nigeria's foreign exchange earnings through increased cocoa exports.
The colourful ceremony was attended by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr Abubakar Adamu Dabban, senior government officials, the management and staff of CRIN, representatives of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), cocoa farmers from across the country, development partners, stakeholders in the cocoa value chain and representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In his keynote address, Senator Abubakar Kyari described the programme as a landmark intervention under the Federal Government's agricultural transformation agenda. He noted that the distribution of one million improved cocoa seedlings demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting cocoa farmers with improved planting materials capable of increasing productivity, improving quality and expanding Nigeria's share of the global cocoa market.
The Minister emphasised that agriculture remains central to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, adding that the cocoa sub-sector will continue to receive the necessary attention required to drive economic growth, improve rural livelihoods and increase non-oil export earnings.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, commended CRIN for its outstanding research achievements in developing improved cocoa varieties and urged beneficiaries to utilise the seedlings effectively to establish new plantations and rehabilitate old farms. He stressed that collaboration between government, research institutions and farmers remains essential to achieving sustainable agricultural development and national food security.Speaking at the event the Executive Secretary of agricultural research Council of Nigeria (ARCN),Dr Abubakar Adamu Dabban Praise the institute for it's sustained commitment to agricultural research and innovation, that research remains the foundation for sustainable agricultural development and national food security.
In his welcome address, the Acting Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Dr. A. R. Adedeji, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its continued confidence in the Institute and its investment in agricultural research. He reaffirmed CRIN's commitment to developing improved technologies and quality planting materials that will enhance cocoa productivity, strengthen Nigeria's cocoa value chain and improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers nationwide.
Dr. Adedeji further assured stakeholders that the Institute would continue to provide technical support, extension services and research-based innovations that will enable farmers to adopt modern and climate-smart cocoa production practices.
Representatives of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria applauded the initiative, describing it as timely and capable of transforming cocoa production across the country. They pledged their continued support for government programmes aimed at developing the cocoa sector.
The event featured the symbolic presentation and distribution of improved cocoa seedlings to selected cocoa farmers and stakeholders, signifying the commencement of nationwide distribution under the programme.
Goodwill messages were delivered by stakeholders, while representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland commended the Federal Government and CRIN for bringing such a strategic agricultural initiative to Ibadan, a city with a rich history in cocoa production and agricultural research.
The ceremony ended with a renewed commitment by the Federal Government, CRIN and stakeholders to work together towards building a resilient, competitive and sustainable cocoa industry capable of contributing significantly to Nigeria's food security, economic diversification and national development.