Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, announced the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with Indonesia to revive Nigeria’s oil palm subsector. This initiative aims to enhance food and nutrition security, job creation, and export opportunities. The announcement was made during a meeting with Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pahala Nugraha Mansury, and key stakeholders at the Hawthorne Hotel in Abuja.
Abdullahi emphasized that food security is a top priority on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight-point agenda. He highlighted the economic potential of the oil palm value chain and the ministry’s commitment to partnering with Indonesia to foster economic growth and wealth creation.
“The forum provides a platform to identify potential areas of collaboration between both countries and explore vast economic opportunities,” Abdullahi said. “We have ample space to accommodate investors and farmers ready to elevate the oil palm industry to new heights of economic growth and development.”
Abdullahi underscored the importance of an export-driven strategy to boost food security, reduce poverty, and achieve sustainable economic development. He also mentioned collaboration in capacity building and research development, urging stakeholders to continue their efforts in advancing the subsector.
Vice Minister Mansury noted that palm oil enhances food security and agricultural development, which can alleviate poverty and increase smallholder farmers’ incomes. He outlined potential areas of cooperation, including palm agriculture, research, economic development, and facilitating private sector investment. Mansury expressed optimism about Nigeria joining the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), given its potential.
Alhaji Dr. Ahmadu Aliyu, Andoma of Doma, Nasarawa State, praised the ministry’s efforts to boost food security and encouraged the National Palm Producer Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) to promote the planting of 5-20 palm trees per household.
Dr. Alphonsus Inyanga, President of NPPAN, emphasized the association’s focus on increasing palm tree populations at household and community levels. He also appealed to the Indonesian government for partnership in processing technology, supply chain facilities, and storage.
The meeting was attended by the Indonesian Ambassador, NPPAN members, and other relevant stakeholders.
