Abuja: 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.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the validation meeting, themed ‘Unlocking Nigeria’s Oil Palm Potential: Pathways to Sustainability and Growth’, focused on the implementation of the oil palm value chain strategy. Abdullahi said the initiative came 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 stated that the implementation of the strategy is expected to lift about two million Nigerians out of poverty within six years through increased production. He added that Nigeria aims to capture at least 10 percent of the global oil palm market, emphasizing that this is not merely an agricultural ambition but a national economic development agenda.
The minister stressed that revitalizing the sector would reduce import dependence, improve domestic edible oil supply, create jobs, boost smallholder incomes, and strengthen agro-industrial development. He highlighted the potential of the oil palm industry to support livelihoods, expand industries, and increase export earnings.
Abdullahi noted that the oil palm industry once played a major role in Nigeria’s economy before the rise of petroleum, contributing greatly to livelihoods and national revenue. He pointed out that oil palm is not just a crop but an industrial raw material that connects agriculture to manufacturing and supports multiple value chains.
Despite its potential, he observed that Nigeria had not made expected progress in the sector due to low productivity, weak processing systems, limited financing, and poor coordination. He remarked that countries that started after Nigeria have moved ahead with speed, structure, and strategic investment.
The minister expressed optimism that Nigeria could reclaim its position in the global market, citing its vast land, favorable climate, and strong domestic demand. Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, also spoke at the event, describing the strategy as timely and necessary. Ogunbiyi said the initiative would enhance productivity, promote value addition, create jobs, and improve global competitiveness.
He added that the validation process would ensure the strategy is practical, inclusive, and responsive to the realities of the sector.