By
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Edo State Government, in collaboration with IDH (The Sustainable Trade Initiative) Netherlands and Okomu Oil Palm Company has officially launched Phase Two of the National Initiatives for Sustainable and Climate-Smart Oil Palm Smallholders (NISCOPS) programme in Benin City, the state capital.
The event, which took place on Thursday, July 31, 2025 marks a significant milestone in Edo State’s ongoing efforts to transform oil palm development into a sustainable and environmentally conscious sector that enhances the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers in the state.
In his speech, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Mr Ogumbo Osarobo David, Director of Agricultural Services noted, "Creating that enabling environment is very key for the sustainability of any initiative. For example, where the state is not secured, what can anybody do? The role of government is key. Looking at the policy that of course helped to drive this entire process. Even in the profiling of farmers, in the sensitisation activities, in all engagements, the government's role is critical"
In a welcome address by Prof. Eniola Fabusoro, Country Director, IDH Nigeria, the phase Two of the programme, scheduled to run from 2024 to 2028, is an expansion of a highly successful first phase.
He noted that the initial phase, supported by the Edo State Government, IDH, and Okomu Oil Palm Company, empowered over 2,000 farmers, many of whom now count themselves among the state’s agricultural success stories adding that the second phase targets an ambitious reach of 5,000 smallholder farmers.
The launch event was attended by several high-profile stakeholders from both the public and private sectors including Mr. Churchill Oboh, General Manager, Edo State Oil Palm Programme Office (ESOPP); Abraham Ose Akhigbe, Team Lead, Business Development Support and Export, representing the Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO); Solomon Ajayi, Director of Wildlife Conservation and Ecotourism, Edo State Forestry Commission, representing the Chairman of the Forestry Commission and Billy Ghansah, Agricultural Coordinator and Outgrower Development Manager, Okomu Oil PLC among others.
In their goodwill messages at the launch, stakeholders highlighted the importance of building a climate-smart and sustainable oil palm ecosystem.
They emphasized and agreed that the programme goes beyond economic benefits, placing a strong focus on environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience.
Millions of smallholders and workers across Nigeria depend on the palm oil industry for their livelihoods. The sector remains a vital contributor to food security, job creation, and economic growth.
Edo State's proactive involvement in initiatives like NISCOPS positions it as a leader in sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria. With the groundwork for Phase Two now firmly laid, stakeholders expressed optimism that Edo State will continue to reap significant socio-economic and environmental benefits from the initiative, further cementing its place as a hub for responsible oil palm production in West Africa.
