Nigeria is taking a big step to revive its once-dominant oil palm industry, with the Federal Government and stakeholders validating a new national strategy aimed at boosting production, cutting imports and creating jobs.
Speaking in Abuja, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, described the plan as a comprehensive roadmap to reposition the oil palm sector and drive economic growth. The initiative is expected to lift about two million Nigerians out of poverty within six years while helping the country capture 10% of the global oil palm market.
According to him, reviving the sector will strengthen food security, expand industries, increase export earnings and raise incomes for smallholder farmers. He noted that oil palm once powered Nigeria’s economy before the oil boom, but progress slowed due to low productivity, weak processing systems, poor financing and limited coordination.
Permanent Secretary Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi added that the strategy will focus on value addition, job creation and global competitiveness, ensuring the plan is practical and inclusive.
Bottom line: Nigeria wants to reclaim its place as a major oil palm powerhouse.
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