Salid Agriculture Nigeria Limited has launched Africa's largest shea butter processing facility in Kudu, Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, with an annual capacity of 30,000 metric tonnes to meet rising global demand and boost Nigeria's economy.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who inaugurated the facility, described the project as a significant milestone in positioning the state as a global hub for shea production.
"The state government has allocated 10,000 hectares for shea butter tree cultivation to ensure a consistent raw material supply, making Niger State an attractive and secure environment for investors," Governor Bago stated during the ceremony.
He further revealed that the state has entered into a N2 billion Memorandum of Understanding between Niger Foods and Salid Agriculture to provide direct employment opportunities for women and youth in shea nut harvesting and supply.
Expansion Plans and Community Impact
Ali Saidu, CEO of Salid Agriculture, announced ambitious plans to scale up the facility's processing capacity to 400 metric tonnes per day and establish a cutting-edge shea butter refinery. The company aims to secure sustainable raw material sources while preserving biodiversity and empowering local communities.
"The company is working in partnership with GIZ and DFID through the PROPCOM MAIKAIFI project to organise local shea nut pickers, mainly women, into structured cooperatives, promoting grassroots employment," Saidu explained.
Daniel Alabi, Executive Director of Salid Agriculture, described the facility as a symbol of perseverance and commitment. He outlined the company's corporate social responsibility initiatives, which include rural electrification, girl-child education, and environmental protection programs.
Boosting Nigeria's Shea Industry
Abba Bello, CEO of NEXIM Bank, which sponsored the project, highlighted that Nigeria accounts for 60 percent of global shea nut production but has lacked large-scale industrial processing facilities until now. He announced plans to establish four additional processing plants across the country to further strengthen Nigeria's position in the global shea market.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, commended Governor Bago's agricultural vision while cautioning against indiscriminate tree felling, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in the industry.
This development represents a significant step forward for Nigeria's agricultural sector, potentially transforming the country from a primary producer of raw materials to a processor of value-added products for both domestic and international markets.
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