Nigeria boosts Shea Butter Production with new 30,000 Metric Tonne Facility – Reports

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Salid Agriculture Nigeria Limited has launched a 30,000 metric tonne annual shea butter processing facility in Niger State, aimed at meeting the rising global demand for the product and boosting Nigeria’s economy. The facility, which is the largest in Africa, was inaugurated by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who described the project as a major step in positioning Niger State as the global hub for shea production.

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According to Governor Bago, “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.” He also announced an N2 billion Memorandum of Understanding with Niger Foods to provide direct employment opportunities for women and youth in shea nut harvesting and supply.

The CEO of Salid Agriculture, Ali Saidu, said the facility plans to scale up its processing capacity to 400 metric tonnes per day and establish a cutting-edge shea butter refinery. “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 disclosed.

The Executive Director of Salid Agriculture, Daniel Alabi, described the facility as a symbol of perseverance and commitment, highlighting the company’s corporate social responsibility projects, including rural electrification, girl-child education, and environmental protection.

Abba Bello, CEO of NEXIM Bank, which sponsored the project, noted that Nigeria accounts for 100% of global shea nut production but lacked large-scale industrial processing facilities until now. He announced plans for setting up four additional processing plants across the country.

The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, commended Governor Bago’s agricultural vision but cautioned against indiscriminate tree felling.

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