In a move to revitalize its palm oil sector, the Nigerian government has begun negotiations to join the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC). During a recent meeting with the CPOPC Secretary-General, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s potential membership, viewing it as a pivotal step towards elevating the nation’s palm oil industry on the global stage.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of local farmers if Nigeria joins CPOPC, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the palm oil sector. This would allow Nigerian smallholders to continue thriving and benefit from industry advancements.
In a social media post, the Minister stated: “We’ve started discussions on Nigeria’s possible membership in the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC). This strategic initiative aims to rejuvenate our palm oil sector, a crucial part of our agricultural economy. Our priority will be to safeguard and strengthen the livelihoods of our farmers if we become a member.”
CPOPC, which aligns the policies of leading palm oil-producing nations, offers a platform for collaboration on market access, sustainability, and trade issues. Nigeria’s move to join the council is seen as crucial for bolstering its position in the global palm oil market while ensuring that domestic producers, particularly smallholder farmers, remain competitive internationally. This aligns with the government’s broader objectives of enhancing food security and driving economic growth across the country.
