NIGERIA EYES FULL CPOPC MEMBERSHIP TO BOOST PALM OIL PRODUCTION

Nigeria is working towards full membership of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural cooperation, expand trade and deepen economic relations with Indonesia, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires ad interim, Eze Nduka Thomas, has said.

Thomas disclosed this while speaking with Nigerian journalists at the Nigerian Embassy in Indonesia on Tuesday, describing the move as a significant achievement for the country’s diplomatic mission.

“Nigeria sooner or later will be joining CPOPC, Council of Producing Countries. It’s a great achievement we have made in this mission,” he said.

In February, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Nigeria had begun consultations to transition from observer status to full membership before its current status expires at the end of 2026.

The CPOPC is an intergovernmental organisation that promotes cooperation among palm oil-producing countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia. It provides a platform for members to coordinate positions on international trade barriers, sustainability regulations and market access.

According to figures presented by the ministry in February, Nigeria produces approximately 1.4 million metric tonnes of crude palm oil annually, compared with domestic demand of about three million tonnes. The council has also offered Nigeria a two-year waiver of membership fees if it joins as a full member.

Speaking on bilateral relations, Thomas said Nigeria and Indonesia had maintained cordial ties over the years but urged Nigerian investors to take greater advantage of business opportunities in the Southeast Asian country.

He cited Indonesian-linked businesses operating in Nigeria, including Indorama, Indomie and Primera Food Nigeria Limited, alongside companies in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, oil and gas, and chemical industries.

According to the envoy, Nigerian businesses could explore opportunities in Indonesia’s pharmaceutical, textile, spice, agricultural produce and manufactured goods markets.

“Indonesia has really benefited much from Nigeria, more than what we are getting from them. And this is a virgin land. I advise Nigerians to at least put more effort into studying their business style,” he said.

Thomas described Indonesian products as competitive in quality but stressed that Nigerian investors needed to understand the country’s business culture and establish trust with prospective partners.

He noted that Indonesian businesses were often cautious about entering unfamiliar markets, making it important for Nigerian companies to demonstrate credibility before pursuing partnerships.

“They are not like the Chinese that are into risk-taking, you know? Hardly could you convince an Indonesian to just follow you to Nigeria and try business,” he said.

The envoy urged Nigerian participants at the ongoing Trade Expo Indonesia to use the platform to establish credible business relationships and demonstrate that their companies were properly registered and capable of fulfilling contractual obligations.

He said reports of fraudulent transactions involving some Nigerian businesses had made certain Indonesian companies wary of potential partnerships.

Thomas encouraged participants to use the government-to-government trade initiative to verify their credentials and convince Indonesian businesses of their readiness to trade legitimately.

He said Nigeria and Indonesia recorded bilateral trade worth more than $4.78bn as of September 2025, adding that both countries had agreed to increase the volume of trade.

On the welfare of Nigerians living in Indonesia, Thomas said the embassy had strengthened its consular services and recently secured an office for the Nigerian Immigration Service, with two officers deployed to the country.

He said the development would reduce the difficulties previously experienced by Nigerians who had to travel to Malaysia to access certain immigration-related services.

The envoy added that the embassy maintained regular contact with Nigerians in detention, visited inmates, supported burial arrangements for citizens who died in Indonesia and communicated with their families in Nigeria.

He disclosed that six Nigerians died in Indonesia between January and August, including two who died in detention.

According to Thomas, the embassy investigated the circumstances surrounding the deaths, visited relevant facilities and, in some cases, assisted with burial or repatriation arrangements.

He also disclosed that the mission had intervened in the case of a Nigerian detained following a confrontation with a Cameroonian man who later died.

Thomas said available autopsy results indicated that the deceased died from cardiac arrest rather than injuries sustained during the altercation. He added that the embassy was engaging the relevant authorities to ensure the Nigerian received fair treatment.

Thomas cautioned Nigerians against travelling to Indonesia without a clear purpose, particularly those attracted by unverified promises of employment or business opportunities.

He urged prospective travellers to establish who they intended to meet, the purpose of their visit, where they would stay and how they would support themselves during their time in the country.

“In terms of Nigerians coming to Indonesia, the only advice I have for them is this, you must employ that four Ws in everything you are going to do or three, you know, who you are coming to meet, what business you are coming to do and where and when and how, you know, you will survive in Indonesia,” he said.

The envoy explained that employment opportunities for foreigners were limited and setting up a business could be expensive. He therefore advised Nigerians to verify offers and make adequate preparations before travelling.

He also warned against drug trafficking and internet fraud, noting that Indonesian authorities had strengthened law enforcement and cybersecurity measures.

Thomas said the number of Nigerians involved in drug-related offences had declined, while the embassy continued to encourage citizens to obey local laws.

The envoy also expressed concern over what he described as inadequate coordination among some Nigerian business groups participating in the trade expo, urging them to work together to advance the country’s commercial interests.

“The purpose of this trade is to see how Nigeria can collaborate with Indonesia in terms of trade, business and economic growth, but this politics I don’t understand,” he said.

Beyond trade, Thomas urged Nigerian policymakers to study Indonesia’s approaches to infrastructure development, electricity generation and public-private partnerships.

He cited Indonesia’s use of coal for electricity generation, investments in renewable energy and partnerships with private investors to develop roads and other infrastructure.

According to him, Nigeria could explore similar arrangements to expand electricity supply, improve road networks and attract private capital without depending solely on government funding.

He also stressed the need for economic reforms and public policies to consider the needs of ordinary citizens.

Thomas said stronger bilateral trade, improved coordination among Nigerian investors and a better understanding of Indonesia’s business environment could help both countries expand economic cooperation and unlock new commercial opportunities.