By Adeyemi Saheed & Afolaranmi Damilare
The Knowledge Is Power Coconut Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (KIPCOGAN) has declared its strong readiness to partner with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) in Osun State to deepen value addition in the coconut sub-sector ahead of the 30% Value Addition Bill awaiting Presidential assent.
During a courtesy visit to the Osun–RMRDC Coordinating Office, the National Coordinator of KIPCOGAN, Mr. Adeyemi Adewumi, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advancing coconut cultivation, processing, and commercialization across the South-West and beyond. He emphasized that KIPCOGAN is fully prepared to strengthen its value-addition processes, describing coconut as one of Nigeria’s most versatile crops with vast industrial and economic potential.
Mr. Adewumi, accompanied by Comrade Bisi Olaniyan, Osun State Coordinator of KIPCOGAN, and Apostle Ajiboye Iroyinayo, the State Cooperative Coordinator, commended the recent participation of the Osun–RMRDC office in the association’s state wide program. He described the visit as a strategic step toward formalizing a long-term collaboration with RMRDC, which he noted plays a pivotal role in promoting the development and utilization of the country’s raw materials.
The KIPCOGAN President explained that the association is committed to poverty alleviation, expanding coconut cultivation, boosting state revenue, and empowering local processors through enhanced value addition. He stressed that “every Nigerian soil can support coconut cultivation due to the plant’s high drought resistance,” adding that KIPCOGAN already has active branches across the South-West, with Lagos expansion challenges currently being addressed, and ongoing efforts to establish presence in Plateau State.
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Mr. Adewumi also highlighted KIPCOGAN’s partnerships with key national institutions including the National Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR)and theNational Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM). He stated that the association is eager to broaden its scope by working closely with RMRDC to drive innovation, improve processing efficiency, and elevate the coconut value chain to national significance.
Responding, the Osun–RMRDC State Coordinator, Mr. Adeyemi Saheed A., welcomed the delegation and applauded KIPCOGAN for its proactive efforts in strengthening the coconut industry. He reiterated that RMRDC’s mandate, which includes industrial development, research support, and value chain enhancement, aligns strongly with the association’s objectives. He underscored the importance of strategic collaboration, especially as the nation awaits the 30% Value Addition to be passed into law by the president, which mandates industries to utilize a minimum of 30% locally value-added raw materials.
Mr. Adeyemi explained that the bill, once signed, would significantly benefit coconut growers, processors, and the wider agro-industrial ecosystem by stimulating demand for locally processed coconut products, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
He assured the delegation of the Council’s readiness to partner with KIPCOGAN and encouraged the association to formally document its partnership request. “Be assured that RMRDC is committed to a mutual, win-win collaboration that uplifts the coconut value chain in Osun and across Nigeria,” he said.
In his remarks, Comrade Bisi Olaniyan thanked RMRDC for the warm reception and reaffirmed KIPCOGAN’s strong support for the 30% Value Addition Bill. He noted that its implementation would help restore the “lost glory” of the coconut industry and position it as a major economic driver.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from both bodies to collaborate in advancing coconut value addition and promoting sustainable industrial development in Osun State.
