A Lagos-based non-governmental organization, Initiative for the Downtrodden, has filed a lawsuit against the Kogi State Government at the Federal High Court in Lagos, challenging a policy that prohibits buyers from directly purchasing cashew from farmers in the state.
The policy, which has been in place since sometimes in 2022, but strengthened and gazette by the current administration in November, 2025; requires buyers to purchase cashew through designated agents, allegedly leading to exploitation and financial losses for local farmers.
In a statement jointly signed by Edibo KenPeacemaker Onojah, National President and Anaja Michael Maruata, Head, Media and Information, the NGO argued that this policy is unconstitutional, as it restricts free trade and undermines the economic rights of farmers.
“The policy is a clear violation of the peoples’ rights, an example of government overreaching the people and an attempt to stifle competition,” said Edibo. “We are committed to defending the rights of people of Kogi State, especially the cashew farmers as public interest litigation, ensuring that they take back their rights to own property and freely dispose of their wealth.”
The lawsuit No: FHC/ L/CS/119/26 seeks an order of the Court to declare the policy null and void, and to restrain the Kogi State Government from enforcing it.
The case is expected to be heard soon subject to the court convenience.
