The Edo State Government is actively considering bills aimed at promoting sustainable practices in the development of oil palm estates.
This move comes in the wake of a comprehensive initiative to develop oil palm estates in collaboration with prominent Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies, including De United Foods Limited (DuFil) and Flour Mills of Nigeria.
These companies are investing in the agricultural sector and setting up food processing plants in the state.
Mr. Churchill Oboh, the Acting Team Lead of the Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP), shared in an interview with journalists recently, that the state is transitioning towards sustainable oil palm practices, a key focus of the ESOPP scheme.
He highlighted that all oil palm companies are now mandated to comply with the Round-Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Standard as part of the sustainable program.
This includes measures such as preserving biodiversity, protecting forests and peatlands, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring workers’ rights and safe working conditions, and respecting land rights.
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To legally support and enforce these sustainable practices, there is an ongoing bill before the Edo State House of Assembly.
Additionally, the state has fully embraced the concept of Free Prior and Informed Consent, ensuring meaningful engagement with stakeholders before undertaking any activity or investment.
Oboh emphasized that the ESOPP program is a game-changer that will revitalize the oil palm subsector in the country.
Approximately 70,000 hectares have already been allocated for production, with another 40,000 hectares to be allocated in the second phase.
He noted that oil palm has a significant gestation period, and the benefits of the production efforts will be realized in about three years.
The investors need to undertake various activities before commencing planting activities, making it a gradual but promising process.
The Edo State Government’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices in oil palm development is expected to have far-reaching positive impacts on the state’s agricultural sector and contribute to a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible approach to oil palm cultivation.
