Nigeria to join palm oil producers’ council, envoy says

Nigeria is set to join the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries, as its Charge d'Affaires ad interim, Eze Nduka Thomas, disclosed to Nigerian journalists at the Nigerian Embassy in Indonesia. Thomas emphasized that Nigeria aims to strengthen agricultural cooperation and trade relations with Indonesia as part of the country's ongoing efforts.

The Council, an intergovernmental organization, facilitates cooperation among palm oil-producing nations, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, addressing international trade barriers, sustainability regulations, and market access. Nigeria currently produces approximately 1.4 million metric tonnes of crude palm oil annually, while its domestic demand stands at around three million tonnes.

Thomas also highlighted the strong ties between Nigeria and Indonesia, urging Nigerian investors to explore more business opportunities in the Southeast Asian nation. He pointed out that Indonesian companies like Indorama, Indomie, and Primera Food Nigeria Limited, along with firms in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, oil, and gas, and chemical sectors, have a presence in Nigeria.

Indonesia presents investment opportunities in pharmaceuticals, textiles, spices, agricultural products, and manufactured goods. Despite the competitive quality of Indonesian products, Thomas warned that investors need to understand Indonesia's business culture and establish trust with local partners.

Thomas advised Nigerian participants at the Trade Expo Indonesia to demonstrate their businesses' genuineness, proper registration, and ability to fulfill contractual obligations. He cautioned investors about previous fraudulent transactions and encouraged them to utilize the government-to-government trade expo to prove their commitment to potential Indonesian partners.

As of September 2025, bilateral trade between Nigeria and Indonesia reached over $4.78 billion, with both countries agreeing to increase the volume. Thomas also addressed the challenges faced by Nigerians living in Indonesia, mentioning that the mission had strengthened its consular services, established an office for the Nigerian Immigration Service, and provided support to Nigerians in detention.