The National Coconut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NACOPPMAN), has called for the planting of 10,000 hectares of coconut in viable states across the country in commemoration of World Coconut Day,
Dr Nma Okoroji, National President of NACOPPMAN, who made the call in an interview with the Journalists on Saturday in Abuja, said the gesture would enable the country to meet coconut sufficiency by 2027.
Okoroji identified the viable states as Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Gombe, Kwara,Cross River, Yobe, Ogun, Adamawa, Niger, Taraba, Borno, Plateau, Kogi, and FCT among others.
Okoroji, who decried less than 50,000 hectares of land cultivation for commercial coconut plantation at the moment, however, advised the government and others to scale up the hectares.
She called for the dedication of one million hectares for coconut plantation in the country.
Nma identified a strategy for achieving Coconut Sufficiency in Nigeria (COSIN) as “One Family, 3 Coconut Trees”.
She said the initiative reflects the association’s dedication to empower families, communities, individuals and corporate bodies (Private/Public) to actively participate in the sustainable development of the coconut sector in the country.
“The “One Family, 3 Coconut Trees” initiative encourages every family to plant and nurture three coconut trees.
“This simple, yet impactful endeavor, not only contributes to increased coconut production but also enhances biodiversity, supports soil conservation, and provides a pathway to economic empowerment,” she asserted.
She said the coconut sector plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy and livelihoods, adding that its cultivation, processing, and value addition have provided a source of income for countless households and communities across the country.
