Niger Unveils Africa’s Largest Shea Butter Plan – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

By Pune Media On Aug 10, 2025

Chinwendu Nnadozie

Niger state govt unveils 30,000 metric tons shea butter plant, the largest in Africa
Niger state government has over the weekend unveiled the largest shea butter processing facility in Africa, having production capacity of about 30, 000 metric tons annually.

The processing facility was established by, Salid Agriculture Nigeria Limited at Kudu village in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger state.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salid Agriculture, Ali Saidu, said the company aims to scale processing capacity to 400 metric tons per day and to eventually establish a state-of-the-art shea butter refinery, the best and biggest in the region.

As the pioneer shea butter factory, Salid said the company has plans to establish world first dedicated Shea Portland to secure sustainable raw material sources, preserving biodiversity, and as well empowering local communities through long-term land stewardship.

“The next phase of our growth will involve scaling our installed processing capacity to 400MT per day, and this will not only enable us to meet rising global demands but position ourselves as a leading supplier of high quality ahea products, hence our plans to build a state of the art refinery.”

The company he said are working in technical partnership with the GIZ and DFID through the PROPCOM MAIKAIFI project to recognize local shea nut pickers mainly for women into a well structured cooperative society to acknowledge grassroots employment.

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

He also announced the signing of a ₦2 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 federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda”.

While calling f on the host community to jealously protect the investment, Governor Bago who described Niger state as a secure and enabling environment for investors, said the state government had earmarked 10,000 hectares for shea tree cultivation to ensure consistent raw material supply.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Niger Foods, Mr. Daniel Alabi described the facility as “a symbol of perseverance and commitment” that will elevate production standards to compete in global markets.

He enumerated some of the company’s corporate social responsibility projects to include, 90km rural electrification initiative serving 70 communities, support for the girl-child education, and other environmental protection measures.

In his remarks, NEXIM Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Abba Bello, whose institution sponsored the project told guests at the event that Nigeria accounts for 60% of global shea nut production but lacked large-scale industrial processing facilities until now.

While pledging continued collaborations to develop full shea value chain in the state, Abba announced plans for four additional processing plants nationwide with two to be located in Niger state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Alhaji Aminu Takuma, said the project reflects successful Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) initiatives that aligns with the state’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone.

The Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, commended Governor Bago for his agricultural transformation vision.

The Monarch however cautioned against indiscriminate tree felling, and therefore urged host communities to protect the investments for sustainable growth and development of the state.