Nigeria’s Strategic Move: Joining the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC)

Dayo Thomas

Nigeria is poised to strengthen its position in global agricultural diplomacy and commodity trade by transitioning from an observer to a full member of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC). The Federal Government is engaging in inter-ministerial consultations, particularly with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, to finalize the membership process.

Membership in CPOPC is expected to enhance Nigeria’s voice in global commodity diplomacy, providing access to technical cooperation and support for sustainability frameworks. The CPOPC represents major palm oil-producing nations, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Honduras, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and plays a crucial role in addressing trade barriers, sustainability concerns, and regulatory challenges affecting palm oil globally.

Nigeria currently produces about 1.4 million metric tonnes of palm oil annually, falling short of its consumption of nearly 3 million metric tonnes. To address this gap, the country aims to increase production and improve sustainability through initiatives like the National Palm Oil Traceability System (NaPOTS) and plans to replant 1.5 million hectares of oil palm by 2030.