WACOT Limited has disbursed more than N158m in Sustainability Differential Payments to 2,062 cocoa farmers in Osun State as part of its drive to promote traceable and climate-smart agriculture.
In a statement, the agro-allied firm, a subsidiary of the TGI Group, announced the payout at its ‘Rewarding Commitment: Cocoa Premium and Farmer Appreciation Event’ held on November 13, 2025, at St Mary Primary School, Ile-Ife. The company also honoured 57 outstanding farmers with an additional N5.8m for their exceptional performance.
WACOT stated that the payments formed part of efforts to make cocoa farming more sustainable and profitable for rural communities. It explained that the Sustainability Differential Payment rewards farmers who meet verified standards covering good agricultural practices, traceability and environmental protection.
The Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at TGI Group, Yosola Onanuga, thanked the beneficiaries for their dedication. She said, “You are very important to us, and we’re happy to be doing this farmer reward ceremony. Thank you for your commitment and consistency in making sure that your cocoa is of the quality that we want. We’re here to support you and to extend our gratitude to your commitment to this cocoa family.”
The group said the initiative aligns with its mission to empower communities through financial inclusion and technology. It explained that using digital payment platforms guarantees transparency, prompt disbursement and secure financial access for unbanked and underbanked farmers.
The event drew cooperative leaders and WACOT field officers, who highlighted the benefits of sustainable production and the company’s support programmes. Farmers also shared testimonials on how WACOT’s interventions had improved yields and livelihoods.
A beneficiary, Olaosun Rebecca, said, “Since the arrival of WACOT Limited and their involvement in our cocoa planting process, they have helped us tremendously. They provided us with medicine, and the cocoa plantation has been yielding great harvests.”
Another farmer, Chukwuma Agha, added, “We have benefited greatly from WACOT Limited. They taught us how to implement climate-smart agricultural practices for our plants. The results have been remarkable.”
WACOT said it would continue to expand farmer training, strengthen its digital payment systems and scale up reward schemes to enhance sustainability across the cocoa value chain.
