In a move to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global shea butter market, Salid Agriculture Nigeria Limited has inaugurated a massive processing plant in Kudu, Mokwa Local Government Area. The facility, capable of processing 30,000 metric tonnes annually, is set to become Africa’s largest shea butter refinery.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago officially opened the plant, describing it as a transformative project that will establish Niger State as a key player in the global shea industry. He highlighted the state government’s commitment by allocating 10,000 hectares for shea tree cultivation to ensure a steady supply of raw materials, creating a conducive environment for investors.

“We are ushering in a new era focused on harnessing natural resources to generate jobs and promote economic growth,” Governor Bago said. A Memorandum of Understanding worth N2 billion has been signed between Niger Foods and Salid Agriculture to create direct employment opportunities, especially for women and youth involved in shea nut collection.

Ali Saidu, CEO of Salid Agriculture, shared plans to expand the plant’s daily processing capacity to 400 metric tonnes and develop a state-of-the-art refinery. He also emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainable sourcing and biodiversity preservation, working closely with partners like GIZ and DFID under the PROPCOM MAIKAIFI initiative to organize local women into cooperatives.

Daniel Alabi, Executive Director of Salid Agriculture, praised the project as a testament to dedication and resilience, outlining ongoing corporate social responsibility efforts including rural electrification, girl-child education, and environmental conservation.

Supporting the initiative, Abba Bello, CEO of NEXIM Bank and project sponsor, noted that while Nigeria produces 60% of the world’s shea nuts, it has lacked industrial-scale processing facilities—something this refinery aims to change. He also revealed plans for establishing four additional processing plants nationwide.

Traditional ruler and Niger State Council Chairman, Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, applauded the government’s agricultural vision but cautioned against the careless felling of trees to protect the environment.

The launch of this refinery is expected to boost local economies, create jobs, and further position Niger State as a powerhouse in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.