Niger unveils 30,000 metric ton shea butter processing plant

The largest shea butter processing facility in Africa, with an annual production capacity of 30,000 metric tons, has been established in Niger State.

The facility, located in Kudu, Mokwa Local Government Area, was set up by Salid Agriculture Nigeria Limited.

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

He added that the company is the first in the world to establish a dedicated “Shea Portland,” designed to secure sustainable raw material sources, preserve biodiversity, and empower 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. We also plan to build a state-of-the-art shea butter refinery.”

The company is 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, creating grassroots employment opportunities.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who inaugurated the plant, described it as a major step in positioning Niger State 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 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 also described Niger as a secure and enabling environment for investors, noting that the state government has earmarked 10,000 hectares for shea tree cultivation to ensure a consistent raw material supply.

Executive Director Daniel Alabi called the facility “a symbol of perseverance and commitment” that will elevate production standards to compete in global markets. He 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 programmes.

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NEXIM Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Abba Bello—whose institution sponsored the project—noted that Nigeria accounts for 60% 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, including two in Niger State.

Niger State Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Alhaji Aminu Takuma, said the project reflects the success of public-private partnerships 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 but cautioned against indiscriminate tree felling, urging communities to protect the investment for sustainable growth.

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