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Stakeholders seek stronger regulation of oilseed sector as import concerns emerge (Page 349)

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Stakeholders in the oilseed value chain on Wednesday in Lagos called for stronger regulation and institutional support for the sector to safeguard domestic production.

They made the call following the concerns by the Soyabean Association of Nigeria over health and economic implications of imported genetically modified soybean seeds and products.

President, Soyabean Association of Nigeria, Dr Christopher Uwala, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of a stakeholders forum, organised by the Plantation Owners’ Forum of Nigeria (POFON) in collaboration with oil palm and oilseed value chain operators.

Uwala expressed concern over the increasing inflow of imported soybean seeds and products, which he said required closer scrutiny by regulatory authorities.

He alleged that some imported genetically modified soybean products could pose health risks if not properly assessed, citing reports linking certain Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) products to adverse health outcomes.

“From available literature and some documented reports, concerns have been raised that some imported soybean products may be carcinogenic and could be contributing to health challenges, including infertility,” he said.

He noted that soybean derivatives were widely consumed in Nigeria, both directly and indirectly, through food seasonings, vegetable oils and animal feed.

Uwala added that Nigerian-grown soybeans are largely organic and contain minimal impurities compared with some imported GMO varieties, making them highly sought after in international markets.

According to him, a significant proportion of locally produced soybeans are exported, particularly to the United States, contributing to domestic shortages and increased dependence on imports.

“About three-quarters of what is produced locally is exported. Many exporters support farmers specifically for export, which is why we experience shortages locally and resort to imports,” he said.

He also expressed concern over declining soybean prices, noting that recent price drops had discouraged farmers and could negatively affect production and the wider economy.

“Two years ago, soybean prices were high, but recently prices have fallen sharply. Many farmers are now questioning whether it is worth continuing production,” he added.

In a separate interview, Head of Communications, Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, Mr Fidelis Olise, stressed the need for a dedicated regulatory body to oversee the oil palm and oilseed industries.

Olise said the absence of a specialised institution to coordinate policy, taxation and farmer support had continued to constrain the growth of the sector.

He proposed a palm oil council to protect both farmers and companies from multiple challenges, including double taxation, road blockages and produce levies.

“We pay company income tax, yet we are also subjected to produce taxes and other levies and without a body to protect the industry, the prospects of growing the sector remain slim.

“Nigeria has a Ministry of Petroleum Resources because crude oil is the mainstay of the economy but before the discovery of oil, agriculture sustained the country, particularly cocoa and palm oil,” he said.

Olise noted that countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia had dedicated institutions managing their palm oil industries, giving them competitive advantages in production and pricing.

He added that Nigeria’s seasonal production cycle limited output to peak periods of about three months annually, unlike Malaysia and Indonesia, where more favourable weather conditions allow year-round production.

As a result, he said excess palm oil from those countries often flooded the Nigerian market, forcing local producers out of business.

He called for stronger regulation and policy intervention to protect local industries and ensure sustainability across the oilseed value chain.

Both speakers urged the Federal Government to provide targeted support to farmers, strengthen regulatory oversight of imports and ensure policies that balance industrial growth with public health and economic sustainability.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

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Stakeholders seek stronger regulation of oilseed sector as import concerns emerge (Page 349)