The Society of Essential Oils Distillers and Analysts (SEODA) has announced plans to host its maiden National Symposium on Essential Oils, bringing together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and other key stakeholders to chart a new course for Nigeria’s essential oils industry.Scheduled to hold from August 9 to 11, 2026, at the Shubomi Balogun Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, the three-day gathering will focus on the theme: “Unlocking the Essential Oils Value Chain in Nigeria: Production and Commercialization for Sustainable Economic Growth.”
The symposium is expected to provide a strategic platform for discussions on how Nigeria can harness its abundant natural resources to build a globally competitive essential oils industry capable of creating jobs, attracting investments and contributing significantly to national economic development.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, will serve as the Chief Host, while the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN), is billed to deliver the keynote address.
Also expected to feature prominently at the event are renowned essential oils researcher and SEODA Fellow, Professor Olusegun Ekundayo; Chief Executive Officer of Cent Designs Limited, Mr. Abayomi Lambo; and the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Mohammed Bugaje, who will serve as plenary speakers.
According to the organisers, the symposium will examine practical pathways for strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global essential oils market through research, innovation, industrial production, commercialisation and supportive government policies.
The keynote lecture will focus on global trends and emerging opportunities in essential oils production and trade, while plenary sessions will explore issues including research and human capacity development, strategies for scaling production from farms to international markets, as well as policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks required to build a competitive essential oils economy in Nigeria.
Beyond the academic sessions, participants are expected to engage in technical discussions, exhibitions and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration among researchers, manufacturers, agro-entrepreneurs, investors and government institutions.
Organisers believe the symposium marks a significant milestone in the development of Nigeria’s essential oils sector and will provide a roadmap for unlocking the vast economic potential of the country’s rich botanical resources while promoting innovation, value addition and sustainable industrial growth.
0 Comments