Nigeria's WCOPS leadership appointment aims to support oil palm smallholders

Ambassador Alphonsus Inyang, President of the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN), has been elected Chairman of the General Assembly of the World Coalition of Oil Palm Smallholders (WCOPS). The election took place during the International Oil Palm Smallholders Forum in East Kalimantan, Indonesia.

As the highest decision-making organ of the coalition, WCOPS represents the interests of over 50 million farmers globally. The organization was formed by the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) and receives support from the governments of Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as organizations like the RoundTable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

Stakeholders suggest that Inyang’s leadership provides Nigeria a platform to influence global industry standards and policies. Key objectives include improving smallholder access to international markets, affordable financing, advanced technology, and sustainable, climate-smart production practices.