FG to partner Indonesia to revamp oil palm sub-sector
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has expressed readiness to partner with the Republic of Indonesia and other stakeholders to revive the country’s oil palm sub-sector to enhance food and nutrition security, job creation, and export opportunities.
The Minister stated this during a meeting with the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Mr Pahala Nugraha Mansury and other critical stakeholders in the sub-sector in Abuja.
He pointed out that food security was the top priority on President Bola Ahmed Tibunu’s eight 8-point agenda. He added that they are ready to partner with the Government of Indonesia to boost the oil palm value chain because of its potential for economic growth and wealth creation.
He said that the forum would create a platform for identifying possible areas of collaboration and partnership between both countries and to explore the vast economic opportunities that abound within them.
He said, “We have big space to accommodate investors and farmers ready to work with us to take the oil palm as a commodity to the next level of economic growth and development”.
Senator Abdullahi noted that the best solution for Nigeria’s import substitute was to have an export-driven strategy to boost food security, reduce poverty and bring about sustainable economic development.
He mentioned other areas of collaboration, such as capacity building and research development, among others. He also urged stakeholders not to relent in repositioning the sub-sector to greater heights.
In his presentation, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Indonesia, Mr Pahala Nugraha Mansury, stated that palm oil not only boosts food security but also agricultural development to alleviate poverty and increase the income of smallholder farmers.
He outlined the areas of collaboration to include palm agriculture, research and economic development cooperation, and facilitate private sector investors in both countries.
He expressed optimism that with robust cooperation between both countries, Nigeria could become a member of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) as it has all the potential.
In his remarks, the Andoma of Doma, Nasarawa State, Alhaji. Dr Ahmadu Aliyu commended the ministry for its efforts to boost food security in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. He also urged the National Palm Producer Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) to encourage Nigerians to plant 5-20 palm trees at their various homes.
In his contribution, the President of NPPAN, Dr Alphonsus Inyanga, stated that the Association is not only focusing on the plantation but on the population of palm trees at household and community levels for Nigerians to partake of the prosperity that comes from palm oil.
He also appealed to the Indonesian government to partner in processing technology, supply chain facilities, and storage.
The Ambassador of Indonesia, members of the National Palm Producer Association of Nigeria, and relevant stakeholders attended the event.
