By Adeyemi Saheed
The Knowledge Is Power Coconut Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (KIPICOGAN) has reiterated its readiness to collaborate with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) in Osun State to deepen value addition and accelerate growth in Nigeria’s coconut industry.
The KIPICOGAN delegation was received by the Osun State Coordinator of RMRDC, Mr. Adeyemi Saheed A., who underscored the critical role of stakeholder collaboration in strengthening the nation’s agro-industrial sector. He highlighted the proposed 30% raw materials value-addition bill, describing it as a potential game changer for the coconut value chain.
According to him, effective implementation of the policy would stimulate local processing, curb the export of unprocessed coconut produce, generate employment opportunities, and improve incomes for farmers and processors.
“The 30% value-addition initiative will reposition the coconut sector from primary production to processing and value creation. This will strengthen the value chain and significantly enhance earnings for growers,” he said.
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In his remarks, the KIPICOGAN State Coordinator, Comrade Bisi Olaniyan, expressed appreciation to the Osun State Coordinating Office of RMRDC for the warm reception and acknowledged the Council’s sustained efforts toward promoting local raw materials development. He pledged the association’s full support for the proposed value-addition bill, noting that coconut growers across the country regard it as a transformative policy for the industry.
Comrade Olaniyan further presented KIPICOGAN’s proposal to the Council, outlining practical strategies for driving value addition within the coconut sector. He explained that the visit also reflected the association’s commitment to partnering with RMRDC to enhance industrial growth and improve livelihoods for coconut farmers and processors.
Responding, Mr. Adeyemi Saheed A. assured the association that the proposal would be thoroughly reviewed and forwarded to RMRDC headquarters for further consideration and necessary action.
The engagement ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustained collaboration, expressing optimism that a strengthened partnership would fast-track coconut industry development, expand value-addition opportunities, and enhance economic prospects for farmers and processors nationwide.
