Nigeria is projecting a major transformation in its palm oil industry, with plans to achieve self-sufficiency and secure a stronger position in the global market by 2050, according to the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria.
The association says the target is anchored on the effective implementation of the National Oil Palm Development Strategy, a framework designed to boost production, improve governance, and attract investment into the sector.
Speaking in Abuja during a validation meeting on the strategy, the National President of the association, Alphonsus Inyang, said Nigeria’s current palm oil production, estimated at between 1.4 and 1.5 metric tonnes annually, is expected to rise significantly to about nine to 10 metric tonnes by 2050 if the strategy is fully implemented.
Inyang, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Technical Working Group for the strategy, explained that smallholder farmers would play a critical role in achieving the target, as they would be empowered to scale up production through improved support systems and access to resources.
He noted that part of the expansion plan includes extending oil palm cultivation beyond the southern region into states in the North Central and North East, including Taraba, Niger, and Kogi.
According to him, Taraba State, with its vast landmass and favourable climatic conditions, presents a strong opportunity for large-scale oil palm cultivation, alongside other states with suitable environments.
Inyang stressed that the strategy is designed to reposition Nigeria as a leading global player in the palm oil industry by leveraging both agricultural expansion and structural reforms.
As part of the framework, a National Oil Palm Council is expected to be established, alongside dedicated funding mechanisms such as an Oil Palm Development Fund and a National Smallholders Development Fund, to ensure sustainable financing of the sector.
He also revealed plans to restructure the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research into a more robust institution that would drive innovation, research, and development in the industry.
Inyang expressed concern over Nigeria’s inconsistent performance in the global palm oil market, noting that despite being a major producer in Africa, the country still imports a significant portion of its palm oil needs.
He attributed the stagnation in the sector to the absence of a strong governance structure and coordinated policy framework, which has limited investor confidence and sector-wide growth.
According to him, the new strategy draws inspiration from successful models in leading palm oil-producing countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, where structured governance has helped drive large-scale development.
He added that the proposed framework would introduce a centralized system to manage sectoral funds, including a portion of tariffs collected on palm oil, to support long-term development.
Also speaking, Managing Consultant of Foremost Development Services, Dr Fatai Afolabi, said the strategy is aimed at building a sustainable, competitive, and inclusive palm oil industry in Nigeria.
He explained that the plan integrates large-scale plantations with smallholder farmers, supported by research, efficient supply chains, and sustainable agricultural practices.
With the new roadmap, stakeholders expressed optimism that Nigeria could unlock its agricultural potential, reduce import dependence, and emerge as a dominant force in the global palm oil market in the coming decades.
Discussion about this post