SSDC Explores Indonesia Partnership, PTDF Collaboration on Oil Palm, Skills Development

The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has commenced discussions with the Indonesian government and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) on strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening agriculture, agro-industrial development, technical skills and human capital across Nigeria’s South-South region.

The initiatives were disclosed following separate high-level engagements by the SSDC leadership led by its MD, Ms Usoro Akpabio with the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Bambang Suharto, and the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Prof. Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu.

During the engagement with the Indonesian envoy, discussions centred on opportunities to leverage Indonesia’s experience in oil-palm production and agro-industrial development to transform the agricultural economy of the South-South.

Areas identified for potential cooperation included the provision of high-yield oil-palm seedlings, farmer training, modern agricultural techniques, processing and development of the entire oil-palm value chain.

The discussions also explored opportunities for Indonesian investment, technology transfer and technical expertise in agro-processing and supporting infrastructure.

According to the SSDC, the proposed partnership would further promote technical cooperation, knowledge exchange and private-sector participation, with the ultimate objective of creating jobs, developing industries and enhancing the region’s export potential.

The Commission emphasised its commitment to developing the agricultural sector beyond primary production by connecting farmers to processing, industrialisation and global markets.

In a related development, the SSDC also held strategic discussions with the PTDF on expanding access to scholarships, technical training and capacity-development opportunities for people of the South-South region.

The meeting with the PTDF Executive Secretary focused on in-country scholarships, technical and vocational skills, professional certifications, research and innovation, institutional capacity development, as well as opportunities for young people in the oil, gas and emerging energy sectors.

Discussions also covered possible collaboration with the PTDF Centre for Skills Development and Training in Port Harcourt.

The two institutions further explored the establishment of a joint SSDC–PTDF working group comprising focal persons from both organisations, with a defined framework and implementation timelines.

The SSDC said the initiative was designed to ensure that the natural resources of the South-South translate into tangible benefits through skills acquisition, knowledge, enterprise development and sustainable economic opportunities.

The Commission reiterated that its broader development agenda is anchored on transforming the region’s resources into productive investments, empowering its people with relevant skills and building sustainable pathways to economic growth.

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