Firm to boost quality of grains, export in Nigeria

Buhler, a world-leading grains and food processing solutions company, has announced introduction of latest technologies to revolutionise the Nigerian food commodity market, aimed at strengthening food security, improving export capabilities and providing affordable, nutritious food options for the people.

This was disclosed during a gathering of over 100 stakeholders across the food value chain in Kano State, at the weekend. Country Managing Director of Buhler, Mr. Manuel Murrenhoff, highlighted significant role innovative technologies in grain processing, consumer foods and other materials could play in addressing food security challenges.

The primary focus areas include enhancing grain quality, boosting export potential and catering to growing population’s need for affordable, nutritious and tasty food.

Murrenhoff noted: “At Buhler, our three business pillars encompass grains and food solutions, consumer foods solutions and advanced materials. We consistently stay ahead in meeting the technology needs of businesses across the entire food value chain. To promote food security and ensure food safety, we allocate, at least, five per cent of our turnover to drive innovations.”

He stressed that Nigeria’s locally produced grains, such as sorghum, millet, maize, soybeans, beans, groundnuts and cashew nuts, possess immense growth potential, profitability, and opportunities for export, when appropriate technologies are applied.

He added: “With the right innovation and machinery, we can tap into the economic and commercial advantages offered by a vast array of Nigerian local grains. Nigeria, with its projected population of 800 million by 2050, can secure its own food security. The possibilities are endless.”

Ali Hmayed, Head of Buhler’s Grain Processing Innovation Centre, highlighted the company’s commitment to quality grain production, through its investment in a grain processing and innovation centre in Kano. This centre, upon completion, will advance the grain processing industry in Nigeria. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art machinery for cleaning, sorting, de-hulling, preparation, tempering and milling of local grains. The centerpiece of the facility will be the high-compression Alpesa grinding system, supported by a lab and bakery setup for comprehensive analysis.