The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s coconut industry to create jobs and expand opportunities along the entire value chain.
This pledge was made by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, during the launch of the 2025 coconut planting season held in Abuja. The event’s theme was:
“Coconut Revolution in Nigeria: Globally Competitive Advantage for the Actualisation of Coconut Sufficiency in Nigeria (COSIN).”
According to Dr. Ogunbiyi, the initiative represents a significant milestone in the nation’s collective efforts to promote agricultural development, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
The Permanent Secretary was represented at the event by Mr. Abdulrahman Balarabe, Director II at the Federal Department of Agriculture.
Ogunbiyi applauded the National Coconut Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NACOPPMAN) for its efforts in transforming the sector’s landscape.
“As an export commodity, coconut provides a sustainable livelihood for more than five million families across Nigeria,” he said.
He highlighted the industry’s potential, citing a projected revenue of over $250 million by the end of 2025, emphasizing the value chain’s role in rural transformation, job creation, and national development.
Ogunbiyi also stressed the multiple benefits of coconut, not just as a nutritious food source but also as an essential raw material in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries.
He noted that the Ministry remains committed to growing the sector through targeted interventions including:
- Development of essential infrastructure,
- Increased access to high-yielding coconut varieties, and
- Farmer training and technical support.
“We are also working to link producers to local and international markets and to ensure value addition throughout the value chain,” he added.
He called on all stakeholders—farmers, processors, investors, and development partners—to seize the momentum of the 2025 planting season and contribute to scaling up production.
“Let us embark on this journey with renewed dedication and a shared purpose. Together, we can build a resilient coconut industry that delivers sustainable benefits to our people and our nation.”
Earlier, NACOPPMAN President Dr. Okoroji Okechukwu described the 2025 planting season as a symbol of hope, transformation, and Nigeria’s collective ambition.
“This is more than a ceremony; it’s the heartbeat of a movement—the Coconut Revolution in Nigeria.”
Dr. Okechukwu said the COSIN initiative is a call to harness Nigeria’s natural resources, promote innovation, and elevate the nation to global prominence in the coconut sector.
“COSIN is not just an initiative; it is our clarion call for progressive change. It represents a commitment to sustainable practices, technology-driven innovation, and value addition at every stage of production.”
She expressed confidence that COSIN would help Nigeria:
- Strengthen coconut supply chains,
- Improve processing capabilities, and
- Ensure excellence in coconut-based products for global markets.
She urged all stakeholders to embrace the revolution with unity and purpose, emphasizing that Nigeria’s fertile land offers a strong foundation for international competitiveness in the coconut industry.
The event was attended by ministry officials, NACOPPMAN members, and other key players in the agricultural sector.
