Shettima decries Africa’s low manufacturing share

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima has expressed concern over Africa’s limited contribution to global manufacturing, despite its immense agricultural potential.

Shettima, who stated this during his keynote address at the opening ceremony of Springfield Agro-Limited Crops Protection Chemical Plant in Ogun State, highlighted that the continent’s share in global manufacturing remains alarmingly low, accounting for less than two per cent.

Represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the vice president emphasised the need for African nations to harness their agricultural resources effectively and channel them towards industrial growth and value addition.

He noted that with Nigeria positioned at the heart of this challenge, the country has no excuse for not leading the charge in reversing this trend, calling for urgent need for transformative policies and robust aprivate sector collaboration to drive the country’s agricultural sector towards global competitiveness.

Shettima mentioned that the commissioning of the agrochemical plant aligns with the government’s agenda to combat hunger and enhance national food security mechanisation “Through research institutes, schemes and cutting-edge technology, our focus on food security is driven by an unshakable belief that Nigerians have no reason to go hungry,” Shettima said.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting agriculture through initiatives like the Green Imperative Programme (GIP), which aims to boost mechanisation and food production across the 774 Local Councils in the country.

The Chairman of KewalramChanrai Group, N G Chanrai revealed that the plant has the capacity to produce around 30 million Iitres of agrochemicals manufactured in three lines of production for a start and expandable to 50 million Iitres as time goes.

Built with an estimated investment of about $12m, he said the plant will produce both herbicides and insecticides, adding that it is currently producing all Soluble liquids and Emulsifiable concentrates.

“All other components are locally sourced except the technical materials and we are proud to be one of the Nigerian production entities with mostly local raw materials,” Chanrai said.

He also explained that with the commencement of full production at the factory, indigenes of Ogun State are expected to occupy a larger percentage of the workforce, targeting over 400 employers.

Chanrai added that the company has been actively involved in supporting food production in Nigeria by supplying quality and affordable products with the latest technology for agricultural inputs and exporting Nigerian produce to various parts of the world, earning valuable forex for the nation.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince DapoAbiodun, represented by his deputy, NoimotSalako-Oyedele commended the group, noting that the event affirms the state’s progress in creating a conducive environment for industries to flourish and reflects the long-standing commitment of the group to advancing agriculture, healthcare, and sustainable development in Nigeria.

“This plant is a strong demonstration of confidence in the local economy and a commitment to not only enhance the local capacity but reducing our dependence on imported agrochemicals, which will in turn save foreign industry, boost industrialisation, and support food security at all stages of life,” he stated.

He added that by improving inputs, mechanisation and extension services, his government has positioned the state to drive higher agricultural productivity, reduce the cost of staple foods and achieve food security.

“Projects like this chemical plant further reinforce these efforts empowering farmers with the resources to maximise yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure a steady food supply chain,” Abiodun said.