Nigeria is considering a strategic shift in its role within the global palm oil market, as the government moves toward becoming a full member of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC).
In a high-level meeting in Abuja on Friday, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, hosted the Council’s Secretary-General, Izzana Salleh, to discuss transitioning from observer status to full membership. The move comes at a critical time for the industry, as producing nations face increasing pressure from international environmental regulations and shifting trade policies.
A ‘Unified Voice’ against Trade Barriers
Ms. Salleh, representing an intergovernmental body that includes major producers like Indonesia and Malaysia, emphasized that the Council acts as a diplomatic shield for its members. Unlike OPEC, which manages oil production quotas, the CPOPC focuses on: Combatting trade barriers: Specifically addressing regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Countering “misconceptions”: Using science-based advocacy to challenge global campaigns against palm oil. Smallholder support: Sharing certification systems to help farmers meet international sustainability standards.”The Council serves as a unified voice for its members in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and the World Bank,” Ms. Salleh said.
In an effort to bring Africa’s largest economy into the fold, the Council has offered to waive Nigeria’s membership fees for two years.
Economic Security and “Evidence-Based Narratives”
For Nigeria, the interest in full membership is as much about history as it is about future food security. Minister Tuggar noted that while Nigeria produces roughly 1.4 million metric tonnes of palm oil annually, it consumes more than double that amount (3 million tonnes). He described the commodity as a “cornerstone” of the country’s economic diversification plans. Addressing the international scrutiny the industry often faces, Mr. Tuggar argued that criticisms of palm oil were frequently “inconsistent with historical realities.” He stressed that Nigeria must not allow shifting global narratives to undermine its agricultural competitiveness.
What Happens Next?
The talks concluded with a commitment to begin inter-ministerial consultations between the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture. If Nigeria follows through, it will join the ranks of Papua New Guinea, Honduras, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in a bloc that currently accounts for roughly 60% of the global vegetable oil supply.
Add Comment