Нигерия и Индонезия выступили против избирательной политики ЕС в отношении пальмового масла

Foreign Follow Us on Google September 4, 2026 by Vincent Ikuomola Abuja Nigeria, Indonesia kick against EU selective policy against oil palm Nigeria and Indonesia have kicked against the planned certification policy of oil palm products by Europe. The two countries see the policy as selective and intended to favour its oil market. European oil palm certification requires verifying that palm oil imports meet strict environmental, social, and legal standards, primarily driven by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Speaking at a book launch in Abuja, Lawal Olusola Lawal, an oil palm expert and the Representative of the Ambassador of Indonesia to Nigeria, Ary Raharyo, argued that the latest move by Europe to label oil palm as environmental threats was far from the truth. Rather, they see the move as being protective of the alternatives to oil palm, which Europe possesses. They both spoke at Lawal’s book presentation: “Trade Protectionism Disguised as Climate Advocacy: Why Europe is Demonising the Oil Palm Tree”. The duo claimed that sustainability must be a shared global responsibility, not a tool for protectionism or discrimination. Lawal, who is an oil palm development expert and Senior Agricultural Officer with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said Nigeria and other oil palm producing nations like Indonesia must speak out to change the narrative around the sector and the environment. He debunked claims that oil palm trees impact negatively on the environment. He said: “The dominant global narrative surrounding palm oil has been hijacked by selective environmental policies that threaten the survival of millions of farmers who produce this crop. “But the new advocacy for sustainability must be fair, science-based, and inclusive. It’s something that should not be selective. ”We must prove that environmental sustainability and economic justice do not have to be mutually exclusive.” He then queried the rationale behind singling out the oil palm tree amongst all oil producing crops. “The question is why leaving out the soybean, the rapeseed (which is the canola), sunflower and peanut? he asked rhetorically Read Also: Oyetola orders transfer of Inland dry ports to NPA, sets up committee for transition of NSC to NPERA He went on, “The oil palm is not just a commodity crop. It’s a lifeline, it’s an industrial crop, it feeds families, creates jobs, drives the rural economy, and lifts communities out of poverty. And we can see that with countries like Indonesia; they’ve been able to use this crop to lift millions of people out of poverty in their country. And I hope very soon we’ll be able to replicate that in our country – Nigeria – being the home of oil palm crop.” Lawal explained that his work is beyond book presentation but start a crucial global conversation, and to stand up for millions of smallholder farmers across Africa and Asia whose livelihoods depend on the extraordinary crop. “Let me be clear: this book does not oppose environmental protection. It’s a fact, and we must safeguard our forests and practice sustainable agriculture. “This is more than just pages bound together. It’s a voice for our farmers, a challenge to an unfair narrative, and a clarion call for justice in global trade.” 📢 ADVERTISEMENT DISCLAIMER: Links above are sponsored posts. The Nation assumes no liability or responsibility for the claims, products, or services offered by third-party advertisers. Proceed with discretion. Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Nation Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline — join now! Join The Nation Channel Get instant breaking news and exclusive updates right on your feed! Subscribe to The Nation Newspaper Telegram channel and never miss a headline. Join The Nation on Telegram