In a country where multiple streams of income are not just ideal but essential, some individuals are rising to the challenge with resilience and creativity.
One such person is Mrs. Rose Nmokobia, a dedicated teacher and thriving palm oil trader, who has been navigating the intricacies of the trade while juggling her responsibilities at home and in the classroom.
In this exclusive interview, she shares the realities of running a palm oil business, the highs and lows she’s encountered, and the wisdom she’s gathered over the years.
From navigating treacherous village roads to dealing with fluctuating prices and spoilt products, Rose offers an unfiltered look into the daily realities of a trade many overlook.
Despite the challenges, her resilience and practical insights provide a valuable roadmap for anyone considering this path. “You need to learn and know more about the business before venturing into it,” she advises—words rooted in real-life experience and an enduring entrepreneurial spirit.
1. Good day, ma’am. Kindly introduce yourself to our audience and tell us a little about your business.
“Good day everyone, am Mrs Rose Nmokobia, am married with 3 children, a graduate of Delta state university abraka, I am a palm oil trader, that is, I buy and sell palm oil.”
2. What inspired you to start the palm oil business, and how long have you been in it?
“Yea, what inspired me start palm oil business is the situation of our country , because for you not to beg for bread in this country, you must have many sources of income, oh! I forgot to tell you guys that am also a teacher, you see teaching and palm oil are opposite of each other, but man has to eat.”
3. Could you describe a typical day or week in your business? What are the biggest challenges you face in sourcing and transporting palm oil?
“The biggest challenge I usually encounter is the price aspect, some times, the prices they give in villages higher than the amount you will sell the oil in town, it’s really funny and heartbreaking, while in transportation aspect,hmmm! Sometimes after buying oil it takes two to three days before you get a vehicle to transport it to town, drivers gives excuses of bad roads, low payment, long distance e. t.c”
4. How do you ensure the quality of the palm oil you buy and sell?
“I ensure the quality of a palm oil by making sure the oil is well cooked, also by perceiving the aroma of the oil.”
5. Palm oil trade is affected by seasonal changes and price fluctuations. How do you manage these variations to maintain profitability?
“During the season of palm oil I do store some to sell during scarcity.”
6. You currently don’t have a formal brand. Have you considered branding your business, and how do you think it could benefit your sales and customer relationships?
“Have not thought of branding my business for now, maybe later in the future.”
7. Many entrepreneurs struggle with access to capital. How have you financed your business so far, and do you have plans for expansion?
“In this business, especially us that goes to different villages to buy palm oil, it has not been easy in the area of finance especially when we have to pay with cash, because this villagers don’t and will never accept transfer from you, we normally have shops in town here that reserves cash for us after their days business they call us for the cash, we make transfer for them and add little charges.”
8. What are your relationships like with the farmers and suppliers you source from? How important are these relationships to your business success?
“The relationship I have with the farmers I buy oil from is a business relationship, we agree on a certain price I pay and carry my goods, and also sometimes, if my cash is not enough to buy all the oil on ground, they give me on credit, after selling I return their money.”
9. As a woman entrepreneur in Nigeria, what unique challenges and opportunities have you encountered in the palm oil industry?
“I have had so many opportunities with this farmers, other business ideas has come through this oil business, just that for now no money to explore them, I have gone to many villages I never knew existed, also in the area of challenges, I have also encounter many challenges via this business especially in my first year, I have bought 8 gallons of spoilt oil without knowing, I have bought oil in a high price and sold it below the cost price, I have bought oil in a village, because of lack of vehicle the oil stayed for one week, getting there one gallon was missing, I have encountered many challenges, but in all we grow stronger and wiser by the day.”
10. For someone looking to start a similar business, what key advice would you give them based on your experience?
“My advice for any one wanting to start this palm oil business is
“a: You need to learn and know more about the business before venturing into it.
“b : Have a good amount of money.
“c: You must be mobile.
“Thank you.”
Conclusion
Mrs. Rose Nmokobia’s story is a powerful example of resilience and entrepreneurship in today’s Nigeria.
Through strategic thinking, strong relationships with rural suppliers, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing market conditions, she has carved out a niche for herself in the palm oil trade—one gallon at a time.
