NPPAN urges FG to launch presidential initiative for oil palm development

The National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) has called on the Federal Government to establish a presidential initiative aimed at boosting the oil palm sector in the country.

The association’s National President, Mr. Alphonsus Inyang, made the appeal during a press interview on Friday in Abuja.

Inyang explained that the initiative could generate up to N16 trillion for the Nigerian economy by 2030, propelling the country from its current position as the 5th largest oil palm producer globally to the 3rd position.

He emphasized that such a move would require funding through a special fund to ensure it meets its ambitious targets.

He also noted that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has already taken a positive step by setting up a Technical Working Group on Oil Palm Strategy and Roadmap Development.

Inyang commended this effort but stressed the need for further actions to achieve long-term success.

The NPPAN president outlined a model that the association has designed to help the country become the third-largest palm oil producer globally.

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“Currently, Nigeria produces 1.4 million tons per year, a far cry from Indonesia, the top producer with 50 million tons per year. This amount is insufficient to meet the country’s needs,” Inyang said.

He further explained that the model proposes the development of 2.5 million hectares of oil palm plantations by 2030, a move that would impact 2.5 million households.

Inyang added that although Nigeria is the largest producer and consumer of oil palm in Africa, the country still struggles to produce enough to meet local demand.

Inyang recommended that oil palm cultivation should be encouraged in homes, neighborhoods, and local areas, rather than focusing solely on mass production, to make the industry more sustainable and accessible to all Nigerians.