Mr Dapo Olakulehin, a former Managing Director of the Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA), has said the State cannot meet growing local demand for coconuts.
He disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
He said the state still falls short of growing local demand in spite of the significant increase in output over the years.
Olakulehin said increased awareness of the health benefits of coconut and its derivatives had triggered a sharp rise in consumption and processing activities.
According to him, Lagos State produced less than 100 metric tonnes of coconuts between the 1950s and 1970s, but currently records about 290,000 metric tonnes.
“In spite of the increase, we are still importing coconuts because local production cannot meet demand,” he said.
Olakulehin attributed the supply gap to the rapid growth of coconut processing businesses and expanding consumer preference for coconut-based products.
“People are now more aware of the health benefits of coconuts. These days, most weight-loss programmes include coconut products,” he said.
He noted that processors in Nigeria still relied heavily on imports from neighbouring countries, including Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, to sustain industrial operations.
“Out of every 10 coconuts processed in Nigeria, only about three are locally produced, while the rest are imported,” he said.
Olakulehin explained that although production had improved considerably, it had not kept pace with rising industrial and consumer demand.
“We are producing, but we cannot meet local demand at all. The challenge is not lack of production, but increasing awareness and expanding processing needs,” he said.
He added that the Lagos State Government had intensified efforts to revive and reposition the coconut sector in response to rising global demand and emerging market opportunities.
According to him, coconut processing has evolved beyond oil production to include products such as coconut flour and other health-related derivatives.
(NAN)
