Nigeria mulls membership in Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries
August 26, 2024252 views0 comments
Onome Amuge
The Nigerian government has taken a step towards reigniting its palm oil sector by engaging in talks to join the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC).
The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries is an intergovernmental body including Indonesia and Malaysia, established in 2015 to foster global cooperation and support for the palm oil industry.
Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s minister of agriculture and food security emphasised the need for Nigeria to join the council in a recent meeting with 𝐑𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢 𝐋𝐮𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐧, the secretary-general, CPOPC. This membership, he stated, is a crucial milestone in enhancing the visibility and influence of the nation’s palm oil industry on the international scene.
Kyari stated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of local palm oil farmers, should Nigeria join the prestigious ranks of CPOPC. He underscored the administration’s resolve to nurture the palm oil industry, prioritising sustainable growth and ensuring that smallholder farmers remain at the heart of this pivotal sector, reaping the rewards of its development and modernisation.
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The minister, in a post on X, the Minister, stated: “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 minister noted that joining the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries is a pivotal step in bolstering Nigeria’s position in the global palm oil market, while simultaneously protecting the interests of domestic palm oil producers, especially smallholder farmers.
According to Kyari, by collaborating with other leading palm oil producers, Nigeria stands to benefit from shared knowledge, harmonised policies, and improved market access.