FG Tasks Oil Palm Stakeholders On Expansion Agenda

Gilbert Ekwugbe

The Federal Ministry Of Industry Trade & Investment has challenged Oil Palm Stakeholders to take advantage of technology and innovations as part of measures to optimise yields, reduce waste and boost growth in the industry.

Speaking at an interactive meeting with stakeholders in Benin City, Edo State, the Permanent Secretary, Nuru Abba Rimi urged stakeholders to adopt sustainable best agricultural methods, invest in conservation efforts and ensure that operations are in harmony with the delicate eco system surrounding plantations.

Represented by the Chief Commercial Officer, Gambo Garba Magaji, he advised stakeholders to recognise that challenges lie ahead and collectively work towards a vision that “ensure the continued success of our oil Palm Industry “.

The meeting scheduled for six states and put together by the commodities And Export Department of the Federal Ministry of Trade & Investment in collaboration with National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria form part of on-the-spot assessment of the Oil Palm Industry.

The states are Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Imo, Edo and Ondo States.

Explaining further, Rimi said: “We must recognised the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing. By fostering partnership with research institutions, industry experts and international organisation, we can tap into a wealth of expertise and stay at the forefront of advancement in Oil Palm cultivation.“

Also speaking at the event, National President, (NPPAN), Alphonsus Iyang  advised the government to establish Palm cities across producing states.

Represented by Vice President (South), Harrison Okpamen ,  Iyang explained that oil palm cities will cluster small holder farmers, adding that they will be using common facilities and “basic social amenities will be provided for them.“

The Chief Operations Officer (COO), Presco Plc, Reinout Impens, also used the opportunity to brief the audience on the operations of Presco Plc.

According to the COO, within this year, Presco Plc has already produced 20,000t of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) from 85,000t of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB).
 He said Presco Plc is equally in the process of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a new palm oil mill of 80tph to be commissioned in 2025 as part of measures to further boost CPO output and process the increased production coming from its estates.

Reinout explained that In line with its corporate commitments, the proposed mill will leverage technical innovations to achieve minimal environmental footprint by integrating effluent treatment and renewable energy generation into the design.
 He said: “Through a nearly completed 20-year collaboration with international oil palm breeders and seed producers to field test the next generation of elite planting material is specifically adapted to the African environment and growing conditions.
 “Through this partnership, they are equally exploring avenues to assist companies and smallholders to gain access to this material and have launched a pilot program with 200,000 pre-nursery seedlings available for sale right now.“

Also speaking at the event, Edo State Commissioner For Agriculture and Food Security, Steve Ideheenre canvassed support for Oil Palm stakeholders in the state.