The Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc (or simply Okomu) is known as one of the largest agriculture companies in Nigeria with a rich history dating back to 1976, with remarkable achievements in oil palm and rubber cultivation.
Okomu is located in Edo State, Nigeria. They have positioned themselves as agricultural sphere, environmental and economic diversity champions.
This post will go into comprehensive analysis of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc from the agricultural perspective of Nigeria.
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Historical Background of The Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc
Okomu was set up in the 70s as an oil palm and rubber small scale planting enterprise. Its aim was to plant and nurture oil palm and rubber for the local and export markets. Over the years, the company transformed into a publicly listed company quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) with international recognition due to excellence in production of palm oil and rubber.
The Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc was established in 1976 as a joint venture between the Nigerian government and a private company.
Specialization in Palm Oil and Rubber Production
Palm Oil
Okomu manufactures deodorized and refined bleached palm oil which finds usage in a number of sectors such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry. Their products palm oil is lauded for being produced without impurities and meeting internationally acceptable standards.
Rubber Production
Apart from palm oil the company also produces rubber with good quality that is supplied to many other countries. This makes it one of Nigeria’s significant contributors to the rubber export market.
Products and Services of The Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc
The Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc produces a range of oil palm products, including:
- Crude Palm Oil (CPO): The company produces high-quality CPO, which is used in the production of various food and non-food products.
- Palm Kernel Oil (PKO): The Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc also produces PKO, which is used in the production of soap, cosmetics, and other industrial products.
- Palm Kernel Cake (PKC): The company produces PKC, which is used as a feedstock for the production of animal feed.
Sustainability Efforts of The Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc
The Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc is not strictly about profit as it pursues sustainability and and environmental responsibility.
The executable strategies of the company comply with the global best practices to help in development and preservation of the environment.
Core Sustainable Practices
Replanting Schemes
Okomu as a company participates in the replanting of palm and rubber trees that have been outgrown or harvested in order to have a steady supply of the palm and rubber trees.
Wildlife Protection
Circumscribed in a rich bio geographical area, Okomu also goes a step further to formulate strategies for wildlife conservation especially for endangered species within its plantation agroecology.
Eco-Friendly Practices
Unfortunately, the company’s target of –eco-friendly palm oil production may suffer delay due to lack of sufficient funds required for the certified standards, poor infrastructure and instability of government.
Soil Conservation:
The Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc has implemented soil conservation measures, such as terracing and mulching, to reduce soil erosion.
The Economic Impact of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc
After decades of hard work, Okomu has made an impact on the economy of Nigeria in several impressive ways. Its operations have resulted in the creation of employment opportunities, development of rural areas, and inflow of foreign currency.
Job Creation
Okomu has over 35,000 hectares of land under cultivation which allows the company to employ an array of personnel in the farms, processing units and the offices of the company.
Improving Local Community:
The company invests in the development of rural communities by providing educational support, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure development. This creates a positive ripple effect on the livelihoods of residents in surrounding areas.
Export Revenue
By exporting value-added palm oil and rubber, Okomu contributes to Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves, supporting the national economy.
Employment opportunities at Okomu Oil Palm Company PlcÂ
How to Apply for Job at  Okomu
The numerous employment positions at Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, which are not necessarily available currently, will be posted on the Okomu Job page on their website.
Nonetheless, prospective applicants may submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the Human Resources Department through the email address:
Final Thoughts
The Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc is a clear demonstration of the vast prospect of agriculture in Nigeria and tells how quality, their commitment to the surrounding community and sustainability makes a huge impact both locally and internationally.
To investors in agriculture, to those who believe in sustainability, and to those who seek economic growth, Okomu is already an epitome of what can be achieved with the right approaches.
For an investor, a supporter of sustainability or even an interested person in the agricultural sector, Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc has quite a lot to offer in terms of motivation and information. You can get more information on their website!