Nigeria, the continent's largest crude palm oil producer, is planning to further boost its production by developing an additional 47,000 hectares of palm plantations in Edo State, as part of the second phase of the Edo State Oil Palm Program (ESOPP). This initiative, which has already secured $500 million in investments, aims to stimulate direct investments in the establishment and operation of new palm groves, with provisions to mitigate risks for investors. Edo State, which accounts for about 12% of Nigeria's national palm oil supply, is seeking to strengthen its leadership role in the industry and meet the country's increasing demand for crude palm oil. The USDA anticipates Nigerian production to reach 1.6 million tonnes in 2024/2025.