Nigeria’s palm oil production reached 1.57 million tonnes in 2025, marking steady growth over the past five years.

The data was revealed by the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries during a mission to Abuja, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

During the visit, the council reiterated its commitment to deepen technical and policy collaboration with Nigeria, focusing on oil palm production, smallholder support, and supply chain integration.

The development highlights renewed collaboration between Nigeria and leading palm oil-producing countries, even as the nation works to address a domestic supply gap.

It also reflects increasing efforts to amplify Africa’s influence in global vegetable oil policy discussions.

The Secretary-General of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries,
Izzana Salleh, said the engagement is part of the council’s wider goal to deepen collaboration with African producers and support Nigeria’s long-term palm oil strategy.

She emphasized that oil palm is native to West Africa and recalled that Nigeria was once a global leader in the sector, stressing that current efforts should focus on enhancing future competitiveness.

“Together, producing nations can shape a stronger, more coordinated global voice. One that protects farmer livelihoods, advances food security, and ensures balanced, development-oriented sustainability frameworks.

“Recent data shows encouraging momentum. Nigeria’s palm oil production has increased from 1.28 million tonnes in 2020 to 1.57 million tonnes in 2025.

“At the same time, domestic consumption has risen from 2.45 to 2.61 million tonnes, creating a supply gap that continues to be met through imports,” she said.

She added that the Council of CPOPC is prepared to assist Nigeria in increasing domestic production, enhancing food security, and developing a more competitive and sustainable palm oil value chain.

Also speaking, President of the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria,
Dr Alphonsus Inyang, said Nigeria could benefit greatly from full membership in the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries.

He noted that such participation would provide access to advanced technologies capable of improving Nigeria’s Oil Extraction Ratio for both palm oil and palm kernel.

He said full membership would grant access to capacity-building programs for smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of national production.

He added that Nigeria could gain from hybrid planting materials and technical assistance to boost yields.

He also noted that closer collaboration would promote knowledge-sharing and increase productivity throughout the palm oil value chain.

Nigeria spends $600 million each year on palm oil imports, despite possessing the natural resources and historical expertise to produce it domestically.