Stakeholders in the Niger Delta oil palm industry have called for urgent action to boost productivity and sustainability in the sector. This was the focus of a high-level meeting hosted by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which brought together over 80 key players across the oil palm value chain.
Discussions highlighted challenges such as the use of substandard seeds leading to low yields and poor profitability for smallholder farmers. Stakeholders emphasized the adoption of improved, high-yielding seeds as critical to enhancing the sector’s economic and environmental impact.
Misan Edema-Sillo, PIND’s Economic Development Manager, stated, “The oil palm industry is vital to the Niger Delta’s economy. Adopting improved seeds is key to unlocking its potential and driving inclusive growth.”
Key sessions included peer learning from Edo and Cross River States’ oil palm projects, panel discussions on financing and market access led by the Bank of Industry (BoI), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and NIRSAL, as well as exhibitions showcasing advanced seed varieties and services.
The event’s outcomes are expected to drive increased demand for certified seeds, address barriers to affordability and distribution, and foster collaborative action plans to enhance oil palm cultivation in the region.
