Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research
NIFOR
About
The Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) is a research centre focused on the genetic improvement, production and processing of oil palm, raphia, date, coconut, shea and ornamental palms. It develops improved planting material, supports soil and fertiliser research for oil palm cultivation, and works with farmers and industry groups. The institute provides technical support and training to farmers on best practices in palm oil cultivation and processing. It also runs training programmes for students and researchers to build capacity in the palm oil sector.
History
The institute traces its origins to 1939, following a series of West African Agricultural conferences held by the then Colonial Department of Agriculture. A resolution was reached that crop research should be regionalised and carried out in its appropriate territory. The West African Research Organization was created in 1950 and stretched along the west coast. The Nigeria component was renamed the Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) by the Research Institute's Act 33 of 1964, and in the same year its mandate was expanded to include coconut and raphia. In 1967 research on date palm was added to its mandate, and full operations began by 1970. In 1992 control of the institute was moved to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
Key Facts
Established
1939
Executive Director
Dr. Celestine Ebehiremhe Ikuenobe
Abbreviation
NIFOR