Port Moresby, Thursday, 5 June 2025 – Minister for Oil Palm Hon. Francis Galia Maneke, MP, has reaffirmed the Government’s strong commitment to its long-standing partnership with New Britain Palm Oil Ltd (NBPOL), now under the leadership of Sime Darby (PNG) Ltd, to boost smallholder support and sustainably expand Papua New Guinea’s oil palm industry.
In a formal letter to NBPOL Managing Director Nik Maziah Nik Mustapha, Minister Maneke outlined key priorities to address ongoing challenges in the smallholder sector, such as harvesting inefficiencies, replanting setbacks, input affordability, and crop pickup delays. These issues, he noted, have constrained the Oil Palm Industry Corporation (OPIC) and impacted smallholder productivity and livelihoods.
The formal letter was presented in the presence of NBPOL Board Chairman Datuk Nageeb Wahaband Sime Darby Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman, reinforcing high-level commitment from all parties to this strategic partnership.
“NBPOL currently retains 43% of total smallholder fresh fruit bunch (FFB) output,” Minister Maneke said. “This demonstrates the company’s critical role in ensuring that smallholders are adequately supported under the principles of the International Development Association (IDA) Agreement.”
The Government now seeks to deepen this collaboration by working with NBPOL to:
1. Strengthen smallholder development programmes within the existing industry framework;
2. Facilitate land access for expansion in current estates and smallholder zones;
3. Execute a formal MoU for new project areas, particularly in the Ramu and Markham Valleys.
Minister Maneke further highlighted that under the Government’s Land Access Program, NBPOL will be granted first priority in newly packaged land for oil palm development. He acknowledged NBPOL as “a proven and trusted partner” with the technical, financial, and operational capabilities to lead the next phase of sustainable expansion.
The Minister proposed commencing formal consultations with NBPOL and relevant provincial governments – including Morobe and Madang – to agree on a framework for new regional entries.
“We look forward to strengthening this partnership in a manner that is inclusive, productive, and aligned with our shared vision,” Minister Maneke stated.
Ends