A’ibom: The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), in collaboration with Mr Paul Ekpo, the member representing Etinan Federal Constituency, has distributed oil palm seedlings and money to 50 farmers in the area.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Etinan Federal Constituency comprises Etinan, Nsit Ibom, and Nsit Ubium Local Government Areas. Each of the 50 farmers received 100 stands of oil palm seedlings and N100,000 to enhance palm oil production.
Mrs Nonye Ayeni, NEPC’s Executive Director, stated that the Federal Government was committed to empowering citizens in the oil palm production business. Represented by Mr Ben Etegbe, the South-South Regional Coordinator, Ayeni explained that the empowerment was a strategic move to position Nigeria as a leading producer of palm oil. She encouraged beneficiaries to utilize emerging opportunities in oil palm production, describing it as a lifetime investment. Ayeni highlighted that palm oil and its derivatives are significant investment opportunities, especially when processed for export.
Ayeni noted that Nigeria currently produces about 1.2 metric tons of palm oil, which is insufficient to meet the domestic annual consumption of over 2.5 metric tons. Despite Nigeria’s potential to reclaim its leading position in palm oil production and export, these potentials are not being effectively harnessed. She emphasized the council’s commitment to working with critical stakeholders to reposition the industry, aiming to transform Nigeria into a net exporter of palm oil.
Mr Paul Ekpo expressed gratitude to NEPC for its role in ensuring the success of the empowerment program for his constituency members. He stated that the initiative aims to elevate the palm oil business from the local to the international market. Ekpo highlighted that palm oil production is central to agriculture, offering opportunities to earn in both local and foreign currencies. He urged beneficiaries to plant the oil palm seedlings instead of selling them, believing that they would multiply significantly.
Mr Toju Mac-Jaja, the Principal Trade Promotion Officer, provided beneficiaries with insights into different species of oil palm, its derivatives, planting methods, and business management techniques. One of the beneficiaries, Mr Emem Jimmy, expressed gratitude to NEPC and the lawmaker for the empowerment program.