The team leading the investigation into East New Britain Palm Oil Limited (ENBPOL) submitted its final report on February 27 to the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, in Port Moresby, the ministry said in a statement.
The Deputy Chairman of the Investigation Team, Mr. Tony Waisi, handed over the report, marking the completion of a three-month inquiry into the company’s operations and the broader palm oil industry.
Minister Maru commended the investigation team, led by Chairman David Mather and Waisi, for completing their work within a record timeframe. After a review, they expect to submit the report to the Cabinet next week.
“The final report consists of the findings based on the Terms of Reference of the investigation and the recommendations arising from the investigation, including how the palm oil industry needs to be totally overhauled with new legislation, policy, and a new pricing formula,” MP Maru said.
He acknowledged the contributions of the East New Britain Provincial Government, its administration, landowners, ENBPOL, New Britain Palm Oil Limited, and other stakeholders who participated in the process.
The investigation was launched in November 2024 following growing concerns from landowners, industry stakeholders, and the East New Britain government regarding pricing structures, transparency, and the distribution of financial benefits in the sector.
At the time, Minister Maru highlighted complaints from smallholder farmers and landowners who claimed they were not receiving fair returns for their produce.
The investigation team was tasked to assess ENBPOL’s operations, review existing industry policies, and determine whether structural reforms were needed to create a more equitable system.
The team, which included experts in agriculture, economics, and law, also examined ENBPOL’s compliance with industry regulations and its impact on local communities.
