The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s coconut sector, emphasising its potential to generate over $250 million in revenue by the end of 2025. The initiative is expected to create employment opportunities, expand value chain development, and stimulate economic growth in rural areas.
Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, made this announcement during the launch of the 2025 coconut planting season in Abuja.
The event, themed “Coconut Revolution in Nigeria: Globally Competitive Advantage for the Actualisation of Coconut Sufficiency in Nigeria (COSIN),” underscored the renewed national focus on developing the coconut industry.
Describing the launch as a major milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural and economic advancement, Ogunbiyi—represented by Mr. Abdulrahman Balarabe, Director II at the Federal Department of Agriculture—praised the National Coconut Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NACOPPMAN) for its significant role in the sector’s transformation.
“As an export commodity, coconut provides a sustainable means of livelihood for more than five million families across Nigeria,” he stated. “With projected revenue of over $250 million by the end of 2025, the coconut value chain holds vast potential for transforming rural economies, generating employment, and supporting national development.”
He highlighted coconut’s wide-ranging benefits, including its nutritional value and industrial applications in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food processing sectors.
The Permanent Secretary reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to scaling up the coconut industry through targeted interventions such as infrastructure development, access to high-yielding coconut varieties, and capacity-building programs for farmers.
He also emphasised the importance of linking producers to both local and international markets and enhancing value across the entire coconut supply chain.
“As we commence this planting season, I urge farmers, processors, investors, and development partners to seize this opportunity,” Ogunbiyi added. “Let us work together to scale production, meet rising demand, and build a resilient coconut industry.”
He further encouraged NACOPPMAN and other stakeholders to focus on improving farmers’ livelihoods and fostering inclusive business growth.
“Let us embark on this journey with renewed dedication and a shared sense of purpose. Together, we can build a resilient coconut industry that delivers sustainable benefits for our people and our nation,” he concluded.
Earlier, NACOPPMAN President Dr. Okoroji Okechukwu described the 2025 planting season as a symbol of hope, transformation, and collective aspiration.
She described the event as more than a ceremonial occasion, calling it the foundation of a national movement—the Coconut Revolution in Nigeria.
“This revolution calls on each of us to harness our rich natural resources, drive innovation, and lead Nigeria toward sustainable growth and global recognition,” she said.
Dr. Okechukwu explained that the COSIN initiative represents a bold vision to turn challenges into opportunities while elevating the coconut industry to new heights.
“COSIN is not just an initiative; it is our clarion call for progressive change,” she said. “It reflects our commitment to sustainable practices, innovation through technology, and value addition at every stage of production.”
She added that COSIN would enhance supply chains, strengthen processing capacities, and ensure Nigerian coconut products meet global standards.
Dr. Okechukwu called on stakeholders to embrace the revolution with unity and shared purpose, noting that Nigeria’s fertile agricultural land offers a strong foundation for becoming a global player in the coconut sector.
