By Correspondent in Minna.
The Niger State Government has inaugurated Africa’s largest shea butter processing facility, with an annual production capacity of 30,000 metric tons.
The plant, established by Salid Agriculture Nigeria Limited at Kudu village in Mokwa Local Government Area, is expected to transform Niger into a global hub for shea production.
Speaking at the unveiling, Salid Agriculture CEO, Ali Saidu, revealed that the company plans to scale its capacity to 400 metric tons per day and eventually establish a state-of-the-art shea butter refinery, the largest and most advanced in the region.
He disclosed that Salid Agriculture would pioneer the world’s first dedicated “Shea Portland” project to secure sustainable raw materials, preserve biodiversity, and empower local communities through long-term land stewardship.
“Our next phase will not only meet rising global demand but also position us as a leading supplier of premium shea products,” Saidu said.
He added that the company is partnering with GIZ and the UK’s DFID through the PROPCOM MAIKAIFI project to organize local shea nut pickers, mainly women, into well-structured cooperatives for grassroots employment.
The Governor of the state,Mohammed Umaru Bago, who performed the inauguration, described the facility as a milestone for Niger State’s economic diversification.
He announced the signing of a ₦2 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Niger Foods and Salid Agriculture to provide direct jobs for women and youth in shea nut harvesting and supply.
“This plant marks the dawn of a new era for Niger State, one where we add value to our resources, create jobs, and boost economic prosperity in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Governor Bago said.
He assured investors of the state’s enabling business environment and revealed that 10,000 hectares have been earmarked for shea tree cultivation to ensure a steady supply of raw materials.
Niger Foods Executive Director, Daniel Alabi, hailed the facility as “a symbol of perseverance and commitment,” citing the company’s corporate social responsibility projects, including a 90km rural electrification project serving 70 communities, support for girl-child education, and environmental protection initiatives.
The NEXIM Bank’s Managing Director, Abba Bello, whose institution financed the project, noted that Nigeria produces 60% of the world’s shea nuts but previously lacked large-scale industrial processing capacity.
He announced plans for four additional shea processing plants nationwide, with two to be located in Niger State.
The Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Alhaji Aminu Takuma, said the project reflects a successful Public-Private Partnership under the state’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone initiative.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, commended Governor Bago’s agricultural transformation agenda but urged host communities to protect the investment by avoiding indiscriminate tree felling.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
