AGRICULTURE
Abia Sets the Pace in Sustainable Palm Oil Governance as Agriculture Ministry Inaugurates 10-Man Inter-Agency NAPOTS Committee.
In a decisive move to strengthen agricultural reforms, boost export readiness, and entrench sustainability in line with the development vision of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture has inaugurated a 10-man Inter-Agency Committee on the National Palm Oil Traceability System (NAPOTS).
The inauguration, which took place on December 15, 2025, at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Agriculture, was performed by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Clifford Agbeze, FCIB. The initiative underscores the Otti administration’s commitment to building a transparent, globally competitive agricultural value chain capable of driving economic growth, job creation, and environmental protection.
The newly inaugurated committee is composed of key stakeholders drawn from relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and industry associations involved in oil palm production, processing, marketing, environmental management, and climate governance.
The members include, Chief Clement Eneogwe of the Palm Oil Sellers Association, who serves as Chairman; Mr. Adiele Chidiebere Alwell of the Palm Oil Sellers Association as Secretary; Dr. Nwokedi Onu, Chief Veterinary Officer from the Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Agriculture; Dr. Ojo Uma Ojo, Director of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture; Mrs. Chinasa Onoka, General Manager, Small Holder Oil Palm Holders Unit, Ministry of Agriculture; Mrs. Ijeoma N. Obike, Director of Produce, Ministry of Trade and Commerce; Chief Onyebuchi Ukagha of the Palm Oil Sellers Association; Mr. Chris Ike, Head of Department, Climate Change, Ministry of Environment; Mr. John Ikpegbu, Head of Department, Forestry, Ministry of Environment; and Mr. Ejikeme Okoronkwo of the Palm Oil Producers Association.
The committee is mandated to interface directly with the National Committee at the federal level to coordinate sustainable oil palm production, processing, and export in compliance with international requirements. Its work will ensure that Abia State aligns fully with World Trade Organization regulations, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil standards, and other global traceability and quality assurance frameworks. Through effective traceability, Nigeria’s oil palm produce will gain improved access to international markets while safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, and promoting responsible land use.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Commissioner for Agriculture charged the committee to approach its assignment with professionalism, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility. He emphasized that the success of the NAPOTS framework in Abia State would depend on effective inter-agency collaboration, accurate data management, stakeholder engagement, and strict adherence to sustainability principles. He further urged members to see their role as strategic to repositioning Abia as a leading hub for traceable, high-quality palm oil production in Nigeria.
Dr. Agbeze noted that the initiative fits squarely within Governor Alex Otti’s broader vision of transforming Abia’s economy through innovation, transparency, and value-driven governance. He stressed that agriculture remains a critical pillar of the administration’s development agenda, particularly in leveraging Abia’s comparative advantage in oil palm production to stimulate exports, attract investment, and create sustainable livelihoods for farmers and processors.
Abia State, currently advancing plans for an Export Processing Zone, stands to benefit significantly from the operationalization of the NAPOTS committee. As one of Nigeria’s major oil palm producing states, Abia is strategically positioned to harness traceability systems to enhance competitiveness, increase foreign exchange earnings, and integrate local producers into global value chains.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs.) Ijeoma Adanma Aguwa, was also present at the inauguration, lending institutional support to the committee and reaffirming the ministry’s readiness to provide the necessary administrative and technical backing for the successful implementation of its mandate.
With the inauguration of the NAPOTS Inter-Agency Committee, Abia State has once again demonstrated proactive leadership in agricultural governance, reinforcing its resolve under Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, to build a modern, sustainable, and export-driven economy anchored on accountability and globa
l best practices.