The Federal Government has inaugurated the National Palm Oil Traceability Framework and Inter-Agency Committee to strengthen palm oil production in Nigeria. This move is aimed at boosting export potential, enhancing product quality, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, represented by Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, said the committee will address key challenges such as adulteration, poor processing methods, and improper packaging.

According to him, “The committee will ensure responsible sourcing and better practices within the oil palm industry.”

The framework will be implemented under the National Initiative for Sustainable and Climate-Smart Oil Palm Smallholders (NISCOPS) and will help build a reliable traceability system to track palm oil production, supply chain, and certification across the country.

According to the federal government, the initiative is designed to raise consumer confidence, increase Nigeria’s export capacity, and promote environmental sustainability.

The committee includes members from government agencies, private sector players, farmers’ cooperatives, and development partners. It is expected to improve global competitiveness and attract high-value agribusiness investments.

The Ogun State Government has announced a major step in its efforts toward industrial and economic development. In a new move that is set to redefine textile production in Nigeria and beyond, the state has partnered with Arise Integrated Industrial Platform (IIP), an India-based multinational, to establish the largest garment factory in Africa.

Speaking on the partnership, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, confirmed that a project implementation team has been formed to work directly with Arise IIP.

This team will handle key deliverables, set timelines, and coordinate preparations ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for September.

“This $2 billion investment will be located at the Special Agro Processing Zone in the airport city,” Dapo Abiodun, said. “This development positions Ogun State as a leading hub for garment manufacturing across the continent.”

The factory is projected to produce 100 tons of garments per hour, 1,000 tons per day, and 40,000 tons monthly. On a yearly basis, it will deliver approximately 350,000 tons, which translates to around 4.4 million garments each day.

According to the state government, this massive operation will create employment for between 120,000 and 150,000 people, providing a major boost to both job creation and economic empowerment in the region.

Beyond industrial output, the project is expected to revive cotton farming in Nigeria. Ogun State already leads in high-quality cotton production, and 10 hectares have been allocated for immediate cultivation. “Our farmers will become a key part of the supply chain through grower associations and offtake agreements,” the government explained.

“We are grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the enabling environment for this level of investment,” the state added. “This project will help Ogun State restore Nigeria’s place as a leader in textile production across Africa.”

The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has officially entered a new phase of development and strategic transformation following the maiden meeting of its 9th Board, held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the Commission’s headquarters in Oba-Ile.

At the event, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prince Biyi Poroye, announced the start of a bold journey backed by transparency, accountability, and targeted infrastructural improvements across oil-producing communities in Ondo State. Speaking during the meeting, Prince Poroye emphasized that this was more than a formal gathering—it was the launch of a new commitment to the people.

“This meeting marks a turning point and a declaration of our collective commitment to reposition OSOPADEC as a true vehicle for sustainable development in our mandate areas,” he said.

The chairman also commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for what he called a visionary move, referencing the June 16 inauguration and his approval of a record-breaking N33.8 billion budget for OSOPADEC. He explained that this budget, the largest in the Commission’s history, would address decades of neglect in areas like Ilaje and Ese-Odo, bringing significant change to these oil-producing regions.

The newly approved budget focuses on essential sectors such as road infrastructure, education, clean water supply, healthcare, housing, and human capital development.

All these fall under the Governor’s “OUR EASE” Agenda, which emphasizes improving access, enhancing service delivery, and creating sustainable empowerment opportunities for local residents.

Barely weeks after its inauguration, the 9th OSOPADEC Board has already begun taking concrete steps. A full inspection of the Commission’s facilities revealed that the current head office is in very poor condition. Plans are now underway to completely renovate the building, construct a modern new office complex, and implement a digital upgrade of the Commission’s operations to enhance efficiency.

Another key development is the planned complete overhaul of the abandoned OSOPADEC Guest House in Akure. This facility will be transformed into a top-tier hospitality centre within the next twelve months, signaling a shift toward maximizing the Commission’s assets and resources.

Prince Poroye reiterated the Commission’s commitment to staff welfare by focusing on better working conditions, fair compensation, skills development, and a supportive professional atmosphere for both short and long-term goals. He said these efforts are key to driving high-performance service delivery across the mandate areas.

Strategic partnerships have also been central to OSOPADEC’s early moves. The Commission has initiated collaborations with local and international organizations for the execution of critical development projects. Among the partners are Setraco Nigeria Ltd and Tage Engineering Resources Ltd for infrastructure-related interventions.

There is also an ongoing partnership with the Ondo State Ministry of Health aimed at tackling diseases such as Hepatitis B and improving overall public health. In addition, talks have been opened with the Japanese Consulate to support new health-based initiatives across the region.

Efforts are also being made at the federal level. The Commission is currently engaging with partners in Abuja and Niger State to attract intervention funds to support its projects. A significant step forward is the reactivation of collaboration with CGC Nigeria Ltd and PDG Menorah Nigeria Ltd, the contractors behind the 2-million-gallon-per-day Aboto Water Project. OSOPADEC is working closely with them to ensure quick mobilization back to site and timely project completion.

As part of its youth empowerment strategy, OSOPADEC is proposing a partnership with Whitecloud TVET Academy to provide vocational training programs that equip young people with skills needed in today’s economy. This partnership is expected to improve employment opportunities and economic self-sufficiency for the youth in oil-producing communities.

Another highlight from the Chairman’s address was the plan to collaborate with the Ondo State House of Assembly to deepen transparency and improve project oversight. He stressed the importance of open governance in building public trust and ensuring that funds are used effectively.

To drive financial inclusion, OSOPADEC is also working with Memphis Microfinance Bank on projects aimed at expanding access to credit and savings for residents. Meanwhile, Coastville Global Resources Ltd, an investment arm of OSOPADEC, will be playing a critical role in launching initiatives designed to generate additional income and create jobs.

Prince Poroye described the recent approval of the 2023/2024 OSOPADEC bursary scheme as a milestone achievement, describing it as the fastest approval in the program’s history since it began in 2004. He said this move by Governor Aiyedatiwa will relieve the financial stress on students from oil-producing areas.

In addition, a board retreat and project inspection tour has been approved by the Governor. These activities aim to improve board synergy and help in evaluating the progress of current projects across the region. This effort is part of a larger plan to make monitoring and feedback mechanisms more effective.

OSOPADEC also hosted participants of Course 47 from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). Discussions during the visit focused on unlocking the potential of the Blue Economy in the Niger Delta region of Ondo State. The chairman said this engagement marked a critical step in exploring new development frontiers and forming strategic policy ideas for long-term economic diversification.

Prince Poroye took time to express deep appreciation to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his strong leadership and consistent support. He noted that the Governor’s clear policy direction and dedication to uplifting the people of the oil-rich region have laid the foundation for OSOPADEC’s new direction.

He also praised the Executive Directors and Non-Executive members of the Board for their tireless efforts and contributions toward keeping the Commission focused and effective.

“As we deliberate today, let us remain firm, fair, and focused. We owe our communities nothing less than full delivery of the mandate,” Prince Poroye stated.

The Board agreed to continue working closely with all relevant stakeholders. This includes traditional rulers, community leaders, youth leaders, women leaders, and opinion shapers.

Their involvement is seen as crucial for maintaining inclusive governance and ensuring that community needs are placed at the centre of OSOPADEC’s operations.