Top 10 Palm Oil Producing States in Nigeria (2025)
Nigeria is one of the world’s largest producers of palm oil, contributing approximately 7% to the global output. While palm oil is cultivated across more than half of Nigeria’s states, certain regions stand out as major contributors to this cash crop. Interestingly, many of these key palm oil-producing states are located in the Niger Delta region, benefiting from favorable tropical climates and fertile soil. Despite being a leading oil producer, Nigeria remains a significant player in the palm oil industry, ranking fifth globally after Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Colombia.
This article highlights the top 10 states leading palm oil production in Nigeria in 2025, showcasing their contributions to ensuring the continued success of this essential agricultural sector.
Top 10 Palm Oil Producing States in Nigeria (2025)
1. Akwa Ibom State
Akwa Ibom, located in the southern coastal region, is one of the largest palm oil producers in Nigeria. The state’s tropical climate and fertile land support large-scale palm oil production. It is home to numerous palm plantations and refineries that contribute significantly to the national output. In addition to palm oil, Akwa Ibom also produces rice, cassava, and minerals such as limestone and glass sand, alongside its leading petroleum production.
2. Cross River State
Cross River is another prominent producer of palm oil in Nigeria, with a rich tropical environment that supports its agricultural activities. As of 2018, the state was producing over 200,000 metric tons of palm oil annually, with more than 360,000 hectares under oil palm cultivation. Over 18,000 local farmers are involved in palm oil production in Cross River, which plays a key role in the state’s economy.
3. Rivers State
Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s oil-rich states, is also a major producer of palm oil. The state’s riverine regions, particularly in Ikwerre and Etche Local Government Areas, are well-suited for oil palm cultivation. Palm oil is a staple in Rivers, and its production has flourished in both rural and urban areas. In addition to its oil and gas sector, Rivers contributes significantly to Nigeria’s palm oil industry.
4. Abia State
Abia State is the leading producer of palm oil in southeastern Nigeria. With an annual production of 190,000 metric tons of palm oil, Abia also produces substantial quantities of palm kernels and palm kernel oil. The state’s agriculture is diverse, with crops like cashew, cocoa, rubber, and plantain also contributing to its economy.
5. Edo State
Edo, located in the Niger Delta, is a significant producer of palm oil, benefiting from its favorable rainforest climate. The state government has launched initiatives like the Edo Oil Palm Project, which has helped increase production by allocating land for new oil palm plantations. Edo’s efforts in oil palm development have contributed to its rise as one of the top palm oil producing states.
6. Ondo State
Ondo is not only the leading cocoa-producing state in Nigeria but also a top producer of palm oil. Its tropical vegetation is ideal for oil palm cultivation, and the state has a long history of agricultural production. Ondo’s diverse agriculture, including crops like rice, yam, and cassava, is complemented by its role as a key player in the palm oil industry.
7. Imo State
Imo State, located in southeastern Nigeria, has seen significant growth in its palm oil industry, thanks in part to government initiatives like the establishment of palm oil processing factories. Imo is recognized for its role in the palm oil sector and continues to invest in infrastructure and support for local farmers to boost production.
8. Delta State
Delta is another major contributor to Nigeria’s palm oil production, with a vast 1.2 million hectares of oil palm plantations. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s Oil Palm Development Initiative has supported the growth of palm oil farming in the state. Delta’s involvement in palm oil production plays an essential role in its agricultural economy.
9. Bayelsa State
Bayelsa, primarily known for its oil reserves, is also an important palm oil-producing state. The state is home to WJICY, the only semi-mechanized oil palm mill operating in the region. Ongoing efforts aim to further develop the palm oil industry, contributing to Bayelsa’s economic diversification.
10. Anambra State
Anambra, located in Nigeria’s tropical rainforest zone, is another state where palm oil is produced in commercial quantities. The state’s agricultural sector is diverse, with significant outputs of palm oil alongside crops like cassava, yam, and maize. Anambra continues to thrive as one of Nigeria’s top palm oil producers due to both government initiatives and the efforts of local farmers.
Conclusion
Palm oil remains one of Nigeria’s most important cash crops, providing livelihoods for millions of rural farmers and contributing to the national economy. The oil palm industry’s economic impact is far-reaching, with palm oil products used in everything from food to cosmetics and detergents. With the efforts of these top-producing states, Nigeria continues to maintain its position as a global leader in palm oil production, ensuring the crop’s sustainability for years to come.
