By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The Federal Government has validated the Nigerian Oil Palm Development Strategy aimed at increasing productivity, achieving self-sufficiency, and reducing poverty.
The policy was endorsed on April 2, 2026, in Abuja by key stakeholders.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, described the initiative as a comprehensive roadmap to reposition the sector and drive economic growth.
He said its implementation could lift about two million Nigerians out of poverty within six years and enable the country to capture at least 10 per cent of the global oil palm market.
Abdullahi noted that revitalising the industry would reduce import dependence, boost domestic edible oil supply, create jobs, and strengthen agro-industrial development.
He added that oil palm, once a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy, remains a key link between agriculture and manufacturing.
However, he acknowledged that the sector has lagged due to low productivity, weak processing systems, limited financing, and poor coordination, adding that countries that started later have overtaken Nigeria through stronger investment and planning.
Also speaking, Marcus Ogunbiyi said the strategy is timely and will enhance productivity, promote value addition, create jobs, and improve Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
He added that the validation process ensures the plan is practical and responsive to the sector’s needs.