, Izzana Salleh, on Nigeria’s transition from observer status to full membership of the Council.){kind=link}
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has held talks with the Secretary-General of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), Izzana Salleh, on Nigeria’s transition from observer status to full membership of the Council.
During the meeting in Abuja, Ms Salleh noted that Nigeria’s observer status expires at the end of the year and called for early consultations to ensure a smooth upgrade.
She explained that the Council, which includes producers such as Indonesia and Malaysia, serves as a unified voice for palm oil-producing nations on global trade, sustainability, and regulatory issues.
The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, on Friday 20th February 2026 received in audience the Secretary-General of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), Izzana Salleh and members of the delegation. pic.twitter.com/ufG2sgEcZh
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria 🇳🇬 (@NigeriaMFA) February 20, 2026
In a significant gesture, the CPOPC offered to waive Nigeria’s membership fees for two years if it joins as a full member, enabling quicker integration into its advocacy and sustainability frameworks.
Ambassador Tuggar reaffirmed that palm oil remains strategic to Nigeria’s food security, rural livelihoods, and economic diversification.
He described potential membership as aligned with national priorities and a step toward strengthening Nigeria’s voice in global commodity diplomacy.
Both sides agreed to begin inter-ministerial consultations to formalise Nigeria’s pathway to full membership.