… Inaugurates AFCOT Grains facility in Kano

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging innovative financing to drive agricultural transformation, expand domestic processing, and accelerate agro-produce exports.

He said the Renewed Hope Agenda places strong emphasis on achieving sustainable food security and industrialisation in the agro-processing sector.

Speaking in Kano on Wednesday during the commissioning of the AFCOT Grains Processing Factory—a multi-million-dollar facility for the production of high-quality processed grains and seeds for both export and domestic industrial use—Shettima assured investors of sustained government support.

The Vice President, who was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, noted that agribusiness requires heavy investment in processing and mechanisation, backed by adequate financing and a stable policy framework to sustain private sector confidence and long-term investments.

He disclosed that under the Green Imperative Programme, the Federal Government has commenced structured mechanisation support across the 774 local government areas to modernise agriculture and improve yields.

Shettima added that the administration remains committed to fostering partnerships that combine industrial capacity with innovative financing to fast-track agricultural development.

He noted that the establishment of the AFCOT Sesame and Grains Processing Facility in Kano would strengthen the domestic value chain, enhance export competitiveness, boost farmers’ incomes, and create jobs.

The Vice President also commended AFCOT Grains and its parent company, Kewalram Chanrai Group, for their long-standing commitment to Nigeria, highlighting their global legacy spanning over 150 years.

In his remarks, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf said the state has continued to provide an enabling environment for investments and remains open to business opportunities, particularly in agriculture. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Suleiman Wali Sani, the governor described Kano as a rewarding destination for agro-based investments.

He revealed that the state has about 1.8 million hectares of arable land, with only 40 per cent currently under cultivation, adding that the government is intensifying efforts to boost agricultural development through mechanised farming, irrigation expansion, and improved extension services.

Yusuf further disclosed that his administration has recruited over 1,000 extension workers, procured mechanised equipment, and embarked on dam construction to support agricultural growth.

Also speaking, Vice Chairman of Kewalram Chanrai Group, Navin Chanrai, said the AFCOT multi-grain processing facility aligns with the group’s vision to enhance the value of Nigerian agricultural produce and generate foreign exchange through exports.

He noted that the factory, situated on a 4.12-hectare site, is designed to process 40,000 tonnes of sesame seeds and 25,000 tonnes of other grains annually, and will create over 500 direct and indirect jobs at full capacity, with at least 70 per cent of the workforce drawn from Kano State.