Nigeria moves from observer to active player in the palm oil world, aiming to boost exports, food security, and farmer incomes.
Abuja, Feb. 21, 2026 – The Federal Government says it plans to transition Nigeria from observer status to full membership of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) by April.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said a technical committee has been working on how Nigeria can seamlessly join the bloc, given the strategic importance of palm oil as both an export crop and a driver of domestic nutrition.
“We need the support of CPOPC countries to access climate-smart seed varieties that our farmers can adopt,” Kyari said.
Mr. Alphonsus Inyang, President of the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN), said Nigeria aims to produce over 10 million tonnes of palm oil by 2050, targeting 2.5 million hectares among households growing at least one hectare each, with a potential N20 trillion annual economy.
Izzana Salleh, Secretary-General of CPOPC, highlighted that Nigeria’s observer status, in place since 2024, will expire in November. She assured full support to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic production, enhance food security, and build a competitive, sustainable palm oil supply chain.
“The council’s mission is to advance Nigeria’s national ambitions while amplifying Africa’s collective voice in global agricultural discussions,” she said, emphasizing that full membership would strategically position Nigeria for future growth in oil palm production and export.
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