Ibom Coconut Factory Recruitment 2025/2026

Ibom Coconut Factory Recruitment 2025/2026: Complete Guide for Job Seekers
Introduction
When Akwa Ibom State first announced plans to build Africa’s largest coconut oil refinery, popularly called the Ibom Coconut Factory or St. Gabriel’s Coconut Oil Refinery, it immediately drew interest from thousands of job seekers. Designed to process hundreds of thousands of coconuts per day, the factory promises to transform the local economy, provide an alternative to crude oil revenue, and generate thousands of jobs for Nigerians.
As 2025/2026 approaches, many students, graduates and artisans are asking: Is the Ibom Coconut Factory recruiting? How can I apply? What kind of jobs will be available?
This guide breaks everything down for you in detail.
About the Ibom Coconut Factory
Location and Ownership
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Located in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
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Owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government and managed through public-private partnerships.
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Constructed by VKS Construction and associated contractors.
Capacity and Vision
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Designed to process up to one million coconuts daily at full capacity.
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Has automated lines for cracking, oil extraction, refining and packaging.
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Contains administrative blocks, laboratory, water treatment and effluent treatment plants.
Job Creation Potential
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Public statements by the state government mention 1,300 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs when fully operational.
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Factory runs three shifts per day, meaning hundreds of workers on duty at any time.
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Expected to boost smallholder coconut farming and related supply chains.
Ibom Coconut Factory Recruitment 2025/2026
Current Status of Recruitment (2025/2026)
As of September 2025:
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No official recruitment portal or advert has been published yet for 2025/2026.
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Some parts of the refinery are complete but test runs and full operations have been delayed in previous years.
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Local news in 2024/2025 reported that the plant is still being equipped and training local farmers.
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This means job seekers must stay alert to official channels and avoid scams.
Likely Job Categories When Recruitment Opens
Based on similar large agro-processing factories, these are the kinds of roles expected:
Job Category | Typical Duties | Qualifications (Typical) |
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Production/Factory Operatives | Sorting, cracking, pressing, refining, packaging coconuts. | SSCE/WAEC, physical fitness, ability to work in shifts. |
Quality Control/Lab Technicians | Testing oil purity, monitoring processes. | OND/HND/Science degrees. |
Machine Maintenance Technicians | Maintenance of cracking machines, conveyors, boilers. | Technical college certificate, experience in mechanics/electrical. |
Logistics and Supply Chain Staff | Handling coconut supply, warehouse, dispatch. | ND/HND/degree in logistics or experience. |
Admin & HR Officers | Recruitment, record keeping, payroll. | Degree in HR/Admin/Business. |
Safety/Health Officers | Ensuring factory safety and environmental compliance. | Safety certifications, degree or diploma. |
Security & Cleaning Staff | Protecting facility, maintaining hygiene. | SSCE or relevant experience. |
Step-by-Step on How to Prepare for Ibom Coconut Factory Recruitment
Even though applications aren’t open yet, you can prepare now.
1. Monitor Official Channels
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Akwa Ibom State Government website (https://akwaibomstate.gov.ng)
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Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development updates.
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Ibom Leadership & Entrepreneurial Development Centre (LED) https://employment.akwaibomstate.gov.ng/login) – they sometimes post training and job opportunities.
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Local newspapers (The Guardian Nigeria, Vanguard, Daily Trust).
Ibom Coconut Factory Recruitment 2025/2026
2. Get Your Documents Ready
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Updated CV with relevant skills (agriculture, factory work, technical maintenance).
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Copies of SSCE/OND/HND/degree certificates.
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Valid ID (National ID, Driver’s Licence, International Passport).
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NYSC certificate if applicable.
3. Skill Up While Waiting
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Short vocational courses on factory safety, food processing, quality control.
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Computer literacy basics (Excel, Word) to stand out for admin roles.
4. Network Locally
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Attend job fairs, government empowerment programmes in Akwa Ibom.
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Connect with local leaders in Mkpat Enin LGA for community job notices.
Common Application Process for State-Owned Factories (What to Expect)
Although Ibom Coconut Factory hasn’t released its form yet, most state-linked recruitment follows this pattern:
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Official Announcement in newspapers, radio and government websites.
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Online Application via an official portal or downloadable form.
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Submission of Credentials (scanned copies uploaded or submitted physically).
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Shortlisting based on qualifications and local content.
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Screening/Interview/Trade Test for technical roles.
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Final Selection and Offer Letters.
We will update this section with direct links once the portal opens.
Red Flags and Scam Prevention
Because high-profile projects attract scammers, watch out for:
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Websites asking you to pay a fee to collect a form – recruitment should be free.
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Unofficial social media pages claiming to “guarantee” jobs.
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WhatsApp numbers posing as government officials.
Tip: Always cross-check the URL and contact numbers with the official Akwa Ibom State Government or Ministry of Agriculture pages.
Benefits of Working at Ibom Coconut Factory
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Stable employment with government backing.
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Training opportunities in modern agro-processing.
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Contribution to a pioneering industry (non-oil export).
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Potential for career progression as the factory expands.
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Opportunity to work in your state and support local farmers.
Opportunities for Students and Graduates
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Industrial attachment / SIWES placements.
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Graduate trainee programmes (once announced).
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Engineering, chemistry, microbiology graduates may work in quality or production labs.
How Ibom Coconut Factory Fits Into Nigeria’s Agro-Industrial Drive
This section builds SEO around “Nigeria agro-industrialisation jobs”:
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Nigeria is trying to diversify from oil.
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Coconut oil is a high-value export used in cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals.
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The Ibom project is a flagship for other states.
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Workers gain experience in an internationally relevant industry.
Action Plan Checklist
Action | When |
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Bookmark official portals and news sources | Today |
Prepare CV and documents | Now |
Take short relevant trainings | Next 3–6 months |
Watch for official announcement | 2025 |
Apply only via official channels | Once announced |
Ibom Coconut Factory Recruitment 2025/2026
FAQs About Ibom Coconut Factory Recruitment
Q: Has recruitment for 2025/2026 started?
A: Not yet as of now. Watch official channels.
Q: Is there a website to apply?
A: None has been published. Only use links on Akwa Ibom State Government websites.
Q: Will non-indigenes be considered?
A: Likely yes for technical roles, but priority may be given to Akwa Ibom residents.
Q: Is there visa sponsorship?
A: This is a local Nigerian project; no visa sponsorship. It is meant to employ Nigerians locally.
Conclusion
The Ibom Coconut Factory (St. Gabriel’s Coconut Oil Refinery) is one of Nigeria’s most ambitious agro-industrial projects. It holds the promise of thousands of jobs across production, quality control, maintenance, logistics and administration.
However, as of 2025/2026, official recruitment has not yet begun. The best strategy for students and job seekers is to prepare their credentials, follow verified government channels and beware of scams.
When the application portal opens, this page will be updated with direct links, screenshots and a step-by-step guide to help you apply successfully.