Nigeria’s Oil Palm Growers Association (OPGAN) has launched a bold initiative to rejuvenate the country’s oil palm industry by replanting 1.5 million hectares of land over the next five years. The effort is outlined in the newly unveiled Oil Palm Development Strategy for Nigeria 2024–2029, which aims to elevate Nigeria’s global ranking in palm oil production from fifth to third.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to OPGAN President Joe Onyiuke, this strategy represents a major milestone — the first time a commodity association in Nigeria has developed a detailed and sector-specific growth plan. The strategy emphasizes sustainable practices, investment in modern technologies, inclusive growth models, and coordinated stakeholder engagement.

Onyiuke stressed that the sector has long lacked a cohesive framework, despite being pivotal to Nigeria’s agricultural economy. “This blueprint marks a shift in direction — a game-changing effort to address inefficiencies, reduce market volatility, and implement achievable growth targets,” he said during a presentation in Abuja.

The strategy seeks to close a significant production gap. Nigeria, while the largest consumer of palm oil in Africa, currently produces just 1.02 million metric tonnes (MT) of fats and oils, far short of the 3 million MT it consumes. To climb to third place globally—surpassing Thailand’s 2.7 million MT—Nigeria must increase production by 3.38 million MT, requiring nearly 966,000 hectares of new cultivation by 2029.

Abdullahi G. Abubakar, Director at the Federal Department of Agriculture, expressed strong support from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. He praised the OPGAN initiative, noting that it aligns with national objectives for food security and agricultural transformation.

“This strategy is a shining example of what’s possible through collaboration,” Abubakar said. “We encourage other commodity associations to emulate this approach and take proactive steps in developing similar growth plans.”

The plan also identifies key challenges — including outdated land use practices and fragmented industry efforts — and provides actionable solutions. OPGAN calls on all stakeholders including government agencies, private investors, research institutions, and local communities to actively support the initiative.

Beyond improving local production and reducing import dependence, the strategy also promises broader socio-economic benefits such as job creation, rural development, and poverty alleviation.

This strategic roadmap is seen as a timely response to the absence of a national blueprint, with the potential to transform Nigeria into a global palm oil powerhouse by 2029.