RismadarVoice Media I 19th April, 2026
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to develop a comprehensive policy aimed at strengthening palm oil production and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports, in a move to enhance food security and economic sustainability.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is expected to save the country up to $500 million annually in import costs while revitalising the nation’s palm oil sub-sector.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop organised by the ministry in collaboration with industry players, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the policy framework is designed to drive large-scale investments and improve coordination across the value chain.
Kyari noted that the proposed policy would provide institutional backing for agriculture-linked manufacturing and support the expansion of industrial-scale plantations in key production areas. According to him, the effort aligns with the government’s broader goal of achieving food sovereignty and reducing vulnerability to global supply disruptions.
He further emphasised that strengthening local production capacity would not only cut import dependency but also create employment opportunities and stimulate rural economic growth.
Industry stakeholders at the workshop welcomed the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward restoring Nigeria’s position as a leading global producer of palm oil.
Once implemented, the policy is expected to attract private sector participation, enhance productivity through modern farming techniques, and establish a more resilient and competitive palm oil industry.
