Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed that the National Executive Council (NEC) has endorsed a clear and final position on matters concerning East New Britain Palm Oil Limited (ENBPOL), and that the implementation of Cabinet’s decision must now proceed without delay.
This follows recent confusion caused by a recent statement purportedly issued by the Minister for Commerce and Industry. Prime Minister Marape clarified that the statement does not reflect the position of the Government, nor does it override NEC decisions.
“I want to advise the oil palm growers of East New Britain and Papua New Guinea at large that the press statement in question is totally inconsistent with the official NEC decision and therefore not representative of Government policy,” said the Prime Minister.
Cabinet had earlier authorised a full investigation into ENBPOL’s pricing and practices following serious allegations raised by local landowners and smallholder growers. NEC Decision No. 192/2024 endorsed this investigation, which was carried out between November 2024 and February 2025, and culminated in NEC Decision No. 35/2025 approving the investigation’s final report and its 11-point set of recommendations.
These include:
• Immediate compensation of PGK38.7 million for smallholder underpayments.
• Development of a national Palm Oil Policy and legislation.
• Review and restructuring of land titles, employment terms, payment schedules, and corporate shareholding arrangements.
• Penalties for breaches of national laws, and investigations into associated entities and individuals.
“While we acknowledge and welcome the presence of investors in-country, we must insist that investments do not come at the cost of our people,” said Prime Minister Marape. “We are committed to a win–win outcome for the landowners, the investors, and the government.”
The Prime Minister further stated that the NEC’s authority supersedes departmental positions, and that the Department of Commerce and Industry, along with all relevant ministries and agencies, are expected to support implementation in full.
The government is also appealing to ENBPOL and its affiliates to cooperate in good faith with the State, the East New Britain Provincial Government, and affected landowners to resolve all outstanding issues amicably. These include disputes over pricing, land agreements, royalty payments, and project agreements in the Kairak and Illi-Wawas areas.
“We have already extended a reasonable opportunity for ENBPOL to pursue an out-of- court settlement. That time has lapsed. The State’s legal teams have now been instructed to proceed to court,” said Prime Minister Marape.
The Prime Minister’s Office will call all parties on this matter together to see if all these can be amicably resolved.
He reiterated that under the Marape-Rosso Government, foreign investors are welcome—but not at the expense of indigenous landowners and smallholders.
“We want to make it absolutely clear: no foreign investor will be allowed to rob our people of the fruits of their labour and land. The Government’s decisions must be respected. Those who breach this trust will be dealt with accordingly.”
The Prime Minister concluded by assuring the people of East New Britain that the Government remains committed to delivering justice, accountability, and fair returns to all stakeholders—while ensuring investor confidence through consistency, respect, and transparency.