Federal government has expressed concern that local supply of Coconut can only meet about 20% of the demand, hence the need to urgently address the supply side constraints.
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Mariam Yalwaji Katagum, said there is the need for the Nigerian Coconut industry to be given a boost with more investment, so that it can provide jobs to thousands of unemployed youths, through its numerous value chains.
She noted this on Tuesday in Abuja at the Flagg-off the 2021 Coconut planting season organized by the National Coconut Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NACOPPNAM).
She explained that the program can reposition the Coconut industry in our country to be among the largest Coconut producers in Africa and the world at large.
She said the country cannot continue to import what we can produce locally adding that to achieve this, it is imperative to build the capacity of National Coconut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, to scale up their capacity to efficiently manage the coconut business in Nigeria.
“I am made to understand that your Association is promoting the establishment of 10,000 hectares of Coconut Plantations in each of the Coconut viable States in Nigeria, under the “One Family Three Coconut Trees” campaign.
“As a Ministry, we are committed to supporting activities that will help harness the immense benefits of the coconut to the economy, which is why the Ministry nurtured and formed the National Coconut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NACOPPMAN).
“This was done to create a value chain for both local and international consumption of the commodity, especially now that the export market is growing appreciably.
“The global market for the coconut is in excess of USD $6 billion, which means that the opportunities are huge.
“We must work harder to increase our market share, and the best strategy is to start cultivation of the commodity for improved yield. Your campaign, “One Family, Three Coconut Trees” is strategic, and you must sustain the vision.
“Government is committed to the development of the coconut sub-sector and would work with your Association to create effective support systems for the growth of the commodity,” she said.
She further called on the private sector to key into the opportunity of developing the coconut value chain in Nigeria adding that to achieve this, it is imperative to build the capacity of National Coconut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, to scale up their capacity to efficiently manage the coconut business in Nigeria.
