The Federal Government and key stakeholders on Thursday in Abuja validated the Nigerian Oil Palm Development Strategy to boost productivity, achieve self-sufficiency, and reduce poverty.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, described the policy as a comprehensive roadmap for the growth and development of the oil palm industry.
The validation meeting, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Oil Palm Potential: Pathways to Sustainability and Growth,” focused on implementing the oil palm value chain strategy.
Abdullahi said the initiative comes at a critical time in efforts to reposition Nigeria’s oil palm industry, noting that the crop remains vital to food security, rural development, industrial growth, and export diversification.
He noted that implementing the strategy is expected to lift about two million Nigerians out of poverty within six years through increased production, and that Nigeria aims to capture at least 10% of the global oil palm market.
“This is not merely an agricultural ambition; it is a national economic development agenda,” he said.
The minister stressed that revitalising the sector would reduce import dependence, improve domestic edible oil supply, create jobs, boost smallholder incomes, and strengthen agro-industrial development.
“Oil palm can support livelihoods, expand industries, and increase export earnings if we get it right,” he added.
Abdullahi highlighted that the oil palm industry once played a major role in Nigeria’s economy before petroleum, contributing significantly to livelihoods and national revenue.
“Oil palm is not just a crop; it is an industrial raw material connecting agriculture to manufacturing and supporting multiple value chains,” he said.
He observed that Nigeria had not made expected progress due to low productivity, weak processing systems, limited financing, and poor coordination.
“Countries that came after us have advanced with speed, structure, and strategic investment,” he said, expressing optimism that Nigeria could reclaim its position in the global market due to its vast land, favourable climate, and strong domestic demand.
Also speaking, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, described the strategy as timely and necessary. He said the initiative would enhance productivity, promote value addition, create jobs, and improve global competitiveness, adding that the validation process ensures the strategy is practical, inclusive, and responsive to sector realities.
