In a bid to revive its palm oil sector, the Nigerian government has initiated talks to join the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC).
During a recent meeting with the Secretary-General of CPOPC, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security emphasized the importance of Nigeria potentially joining the council. Membership in CPOPC is seen as a critical step toward elevating the nation’s palm oil industry on the global stage.
The Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of local farmers should Nigeria become a member of CPOPC. The administration is determined to ensure the sustainability and growth of the palm oil sector, allowing Nigerian smallholders to continue thriving and benefiting from industry advancements.
In a post on twitter (X), the Minister wrote: “We have initiated discussions on Nigeria’s potential membership in the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC). This strategic move is designed to rejuvenate our palm oil sector, a key component of our agricultural economy.
“Should we join CPOPC, our focus will remain steadfast on ensuring that their interests are safeguarded and their livelihoods strengthened.”
The council, which coordinates the policies of leading palm oil-producing nations, provides a platform for countries to collaborate on market access, sustainability, and trade matters.
This move is seen as vital for strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global palm oil market while ensuring that domestic producers, particularly smallholder farmers, remain competitive internationally. It also aligns with the government’s broader goals of enhancing food security and driving economic growth across the nation.