By Adeniyi Sakiru, Adeniji Remilekun & Akinlade Lateef
In a strategic effort to drive local industrial growth and value addition in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Ogun State Office of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has paid an official visit to AL-KAD Integrated Energy, a fast-growing palm oil production company located in Ihunbo, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Led by the RMRDC State Coordinator, Mr. Rabiu B. O, alongside key officers from the Council, the visit, took place on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, as part of RMRDC’s continued mandate to enhance the development, utilization, and sustainable management of Nigeria’s raw materials.
The RMRDC team was warmly received by AL-KAD Mr. Taiwo Hunye a Supervisor in the organisation and as well as other members Mr. Lawal Yaqub, and Mr. Aremu Michael etc. Mr. Yaqub led the delegation on a comprehensive tour of the facility, showcasing the company’s production process, innovations, and industrial practices in palm oil processing.
During the facility tour, the Council observed the company’s semi-mechanized production line, which features a sequence of sterilization, mechanical separation, digestion, hydraulic and electrical pressing, followed by the final clarification of Crude Palm Oil (CPO). Impressively, the company maintains Free Fatty Acid (FFA) levels between 8–10%, meeting acceptable market quality standards. RMRDC commended AL-KAD Integrated Energy for embracing mechanization, including the use of modern digesters, hydraulic pressers, and separators. The Council acknowledged the company’s progress as a promising example of industrial innovation at the grassroots level.
You Might AlsoLike
Despite its achievements, the company faces several challenges that could hinder its growth potential. These include irregular preventive maintenance of equipment, dependence on firewood as an energy source, limited processing capacity, and underutilization of by-products such as palm kernel and fiber.
In response, RMRDC made strategic recommendations aimed at enhancing the company’s productivity and environmental sustainability. These include the adoption of a preventive maintenance schedule for machinery, tighter control of FFA levels to further improve oil quality, transition to eco-friendly energy sources like biomass or solar power, expansion of processing capacity to meet increasing demand, development of value-added chains from by-products, and closer collaboration with RMRDC for technical support and research partnerships.
Speaking after the visit, Mr. Rabiu B. O. expressed optimism about the future of AL-KAD Integrated Energy and its role in Nigeria’s palm oil value chain. “AL-KAD Integrated Energy has what it takes to serve as a model enterprise in the Nigerian palm oil industry. With continued innovation, adherence to quality standards, and proper industrial linkages, the company can make a significant impact,” he stated.
Mr. Rabiu also appreciated the warm hospitality of the company’s staff and management, especially Mr. Lawal Yaqub, who provided an insightful tour of the facility.
The visit underscores RMRDC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening local industry, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring the optimal use of Nigeria’s abundant raw materials for national economic development. With partnerships like this, the Council continues to bridge the gap between research, industry, and grassroots enterprise—laying the foundation for a more self-reliant and industrialized Nigeria.
