Palm oil merchants in Cross River State have said Nigeria’s palm oil is the most sought-after in the global market, a reason why it is not available in parts of the country.
During an interview with a merchant, Nafiu Saleh Musa at the Bogobiri community in Calabar, he said there was a global attraction to Nigeria’s palm oil due to its high grade and richness in nutrients and scent.
The Plateau State-born merchant said, “All over the world, it is Nigeria’s palm oil that is finest and sought-after. Nigeria’s quality is the best.
“I have traded in and tasted palm oil from Ghana, Cameroon, and Malaysia. They are no match to Nigeria’s.
“We have the sweetest and scented oil with nutrients, much of it from Cross River State, which is why dealers look towards her for supplies. However, palm oil millers should help filter it better. They do not filter it well enough.”
When asked what future he sees in the palm oil business in Nigeria, the merchant said the future of palm oil is big and bright only if the government can help.
”The amount of palm oil in Nigeria can sustain industries and private demands.”
He maintained that the sub-sector can conveniently engage thousands of Nigerians if given due attention.
“Palm oil is a value chain business that engages endless streams of people at different stages of its procession. It can gainfully engage many young Nigerians.
“We appeal to the government to support farmers by creating easy avenues for them to draw credit facilities because capital is really their drawback. Government should not share money to politicians to waste but to farmers who will sustainably and profitably engage people.”
