By Abbas Nazil
Nigerian government has announced plans to transition from observer status to full membership of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) as it targets $1.2 billion revenue from palm oil export boost.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari who disclosed this in Abuja during a visit by CPOPC mission said government will rely on the report of a technical committee to decide on full membership.
He said the move reflects Nigeria’s strategic interest in strengthening its position within the global palm oil industry.
Senator Kyari explained that the ministry constituted a technical committee to examine the requirements and benefits of full membership, emphasizing that the palm oil value chain remains critical to Nigeria’s agricultural and export development agenda.
He described oil palm as a priority export crop capable of generating significant foreign exchange earnings while contributing to improved nutrition and domestic consumption.
The minister also highlighted the need for collaboration with member countries to access improved climate-smart and disease-resistant oil palm seed varieties that can enhance productivity among Nigerian farmers.
NatureNews notes that Nigeria’s observer status designation in CPOPC since 2024 is set to expire in November, making the upcoming validation process a decisive step toward deeper engagement.
The President of the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria, Alphonsus Inyang, said full membership would support the country’s ambition to produce over 10 million tonnes of oil palm between 2026 and 2050.
He added that Nigeria aims to cultivate 2.5 million hectares through smallholder participation, targeting one hectare per household as part of a projected ₦20 trillion annual economic contribution over the period.
Inyang noted that smallholder farmers would work alongside established plantation developers to expand national output and strengthen the value chain.
CPOPC Secretary-General Izzana Salleh said the council’s mission seeks to advance Nigeria’s national ambitions while amplifying Africa’s collective voice in global agricultural discussions.
She assured Nigerian authorities of the council’s readiness to support domestic production growth, food security objectives and the development of a competitive and sustainable palm oil supply chain.
Salleh emphasized that full membership would strategically position Nigeria for stronger participation in international markets and greater influence in science-based global dialogue on vegetable oils.