In a strategic move to reposition Nigeria as a global leader in palm oil production, the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) has announced plans to expand large-scale oil palm cultivation into the northern region of the country.
The President of NPPAN, Alphonsus Inyang, made this known during the Validation Meeting of the Nigerian Oil Palm Development Strategy, an initiative aimed at revitalizing the nation’s oil palm subsector.
According to Inyang, Taraba State is already taking the lead in the proposed expansion through a partnership with the association. He noted that the state’s vast landmass—estimated at over 69,000 square kilometres—offers significant potential for oil palm cultivation, possibly exceeding that of the entire southern region.
He further highlighted favourable climatic conditions in Taraba, including longer hours of sunshine and access to water resources in certain areas, as key advantages that would support large-scale production.
Inyang also identified other northern and central states such as Niger State, Kogi State, and Nasarawa State as viable locations with suitable terrain for oil palm farming.
He emphasized that expanding beyond the traditional southern belt is critical for achieving the targets outlined in the national strategy, stressing that relying solely on the South may limit Nigeria’s ability to meet growing demand and compete globally.
The proposed northern expansion marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s agricultural policy direction, as stakeholders seek to unlock new opportunities and increase output in the oil palm industry.
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