{
  "id": 16062517,
  "title": "Senator faults system making Nigeria export cocoa, import chocolate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/senator-faults-system-making-nigeria-export-cocoa-import-chocolate-16062517",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-22T15:26:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/senator-faults-system-making-nigeria-export-cocoa-import-chocolate/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigerian Senator Neda Imasuen has criticized the global economic system that enables her country to export raw materials like cocoa while importing finished products like chocolate at a much higher cost. In a speech at the Golden Rule Summit Roma 2026 in Italy, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions warned that this disparity deprives developing countries of crucial benefits from their natural resources, exacerbating unemployment, poverty and migration. Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, emphasized that the principle of treating others as one would wish to be treated should extend to international trade, economic policies and legislation. He pointed to Nigeria's cocoa industry, questioning why a country that produces cocoa in large quantities must export it to developed economies for processing and then purchase chocolate and other finished products at inflated prices. Imasuen suggested that establishing more processing and manufacturing industries in Nigeria could help retain more value from agricultural produce, generate jobs and enhance living standards. He questioned whether developing countries could reduce economic imbalances, lower unemployment and curb irregular migration and human trafficking by establishing chocolate factories and other processing industries within their borders. While Imasuen's criticism of the international economic system does not absolve Nigerian leaders of responsibility for domestic economic challenges, he advocated for a re-evaluation of the structure of international trade to ensure equitable benefits for countries rich in agricultural commodities and natural resources. The senator also highlighted legislative initiatives to address economic challenges, such as the Student Loan Fund and tax reforms aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. Imasuen stressed that tackling illegal migration and human trafficking requires addressing the economic conditions that drive people to seek better opportunities abroad, emphasizing the need for investment in skills development, industrialisation and job creation to enable Nigerians to earn a living and improve their lives at home.",
  "summary": "A Nigerian senator, Neda Imasuen, has faulted the global economic system that makes Nigeria export raw materials like cocoa and import finished products li Read More: https://punchng.com/senator-faults-system-making-nigeria-export-cocoa-import-chocolate/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}