Nigeria’s palm oil production has risen steadily over the past five years, reaching 1.57 million tonnes in 2025, up from 1.28 million tonnes in 2020.
However, domestic demand has grown faster, climbing from 2.45 million tonnes to 2.61 million tonnes within the same period, leaving a significant supply shortfall.
Following meetings with officials from the Federal Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Agriculture and Food Security, Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries Secretary General Izzanah Salleh revealed the statistics in Abuja.
She said that imports help close the widening gap, a trend she said has depleted foreign exchange and missed opportunities for rural income growth and agro-industrial expansion.
The News Chronicle reported that the Council is encouraging Nigeria to move from observer status to full membership—a move that could unleash technical collaboration, market intelligence, and organised support for smallholder farmers.
The Council, founded by Indonesia and Malaysia in 2015, fosters cooperation among producing countries and supports sustainable palm oil guidelines.
As a significant producer and consumer, Africa stands to gain from more involvement, especially in research, education, and investment, said Nigerian representative Alphonsus Enyang.
Council members also emphasized that better yields and sustainable methods can address environmental problems, increase output, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.
