Niger State has commissioned what is touted as Africa?s largest shea butter processing plant, a 30,000-metric-ton-per-year facility built by Salid Agriculture Nigeria Limited in Kudu, Mokwa Local Government Area.

Salid Agriculture CEO, Ali Saidu, explained that the company aims to scale processing capacity to 400 metric tons per day and eventually establish a state-of-the-art shea butter refinery.

He added that, as the pioneer in establishing the world?s first dedicated shea plant, the company is aimed at securing a sustainable raw material source, preserving biodiversity, and empowering local communities through long-term land stewardship.

According to him, ?The next phase of our growth involves scaling our installed processing capacity to 400MT per day, enabling us to meet rising global demand and position ourselves as a leading supplier of high-quality shea products, hence planning to build a state-of-the-art shea butter refinery.?

He said they are working in technical partnership with GIZ and DFID through the PROPCOM MAIKAIFI project to organise local shea nut pickers ? mainly women ? into well-structured cooperatives to boost grassroots employment.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who performed the inauguration, hailed the project as a major step in positioning Niger as the global hub for shea production.

He also announced the signing of a N2 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Niger Foods and the company to provide women and youth with direct employment opportunities in shea nut harvesting and supply.

?This plant represents the beginning of a new era for Niger State ? one where we add value to our natural resources, create jobs, and drive economic prosperity in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,? Governor Bago said, urging the host community to protect and support the investment.

The governor described Niger State as a secure and enabling environment for investors, stressing that the state government had earmarked 10,000 hectares for shea tree cultivation to ensure consistent raw material supply.

Executive Director, Daniel Alabi, described the facility as ?a symbol of perseverance and commitment? that will elevate production standards to compete in global markets.

Alabi also highlighted the company?s corporate social responsibility projects, including a 90km rural electrification initiative serving 70 communities, support for girl-child education, and environmental protection measures.

NEXIM Bank?s Chief Executive Officer, Abba Bello, whose institution sponsored the project, noted that Nigeria accounts for 60 percent of global shea nut production but has lacked large-scale industrial processing facilities until now.

He pledged continued collaboration to develop the full shea value chain, announcing plans for four additional processing plants nationwide, with two to be located in Niger State.

Niger State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Alhaji Aminu Takuma, said the project reflects the success of public-private partnerships (PPPs) and aligns with 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 vision. However, he cautioned against indiscriminate tree felling, urging communities to protect the investment for sustainable growth. (Saturday Tribune)

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