PZWilmar, NIFOR sign MoU on oil palm research

Another strategic step towards Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in oil palm production was taken recently with signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PZWilmar and Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) in Abuja.
The MoU, signed by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe and Chief Kola Jamodu, for and on behalf of the two institutions, covers capacity building and knowledge sharing for the research institute. The collaboration will devote attention to developing Nigerian climate specific high yield variety through joint development of early maturing, high yielding, and draught tolerant and disease resistant planting materials through cross fertilisation.
The scope will also include study visit by NIFOR on biotechnology approach to elite oil palm planting material development in Wilmar facilities in Asia. The exchange of visit will also explore end-uses of palm oil and palm kernel oil through isolation of nutraceuticals from palm oil and bioenergy development and use from waste products.
On the Nigerian side, the shared knowledge will translate in internship of Best Management Practices for plantations, training of out-growers and prospective investors and setting up of Agribusiness School for Young Graduates.
In his remarks at the occasion, the Minister commended PZ Wilmar for its support and continued faith in the economy in spite of challenges. He said the collaboration will go along way in getting the urgently required innovative know-how to drive the oil palm industry.  He promised to allocate more funds to research institutes under the ministry to enable them play the needed role in improving local productivity.
Earlier in his introduction, Chairman, PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC, Chief Kola Jamodu, said the MoU is to promote research that will help to quicken Nigeria’s quest to attain sustainable oil palm production.
The Executive Director NIFOR, Dr Omorefe Asemota was pleased with the collaboration and called for more public-private sector partnership.
Other personalities who witnessed the signing ceremony include the Chief Executive Officer of PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC, Christos Giannopoulos; Managing Director, PZ Wilmar, Mr Santosh Pillai; Chairman, Agricultural Research Council; Director, Legal, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development among others.
Nigeria was the world leading exporter of oil palm in the ‘60’s but, according to official figures, now imports close to 700,000 tons of CPO in spite of its suitable climate for oil palm production.
PZ Wilmar has, in the last 6 years, invested in downstream and upstream sector of palm oil and is collaborating with NIFOR to FastTrack Nigeria’s drive for sustainable development of the sector.