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

The processing facility was established by Salid Agriculture Nigeria Limited at Kudu, in Mokwa Local Council of the state.

Salid Agriculture CEO, Ali Saidu, revealed that the firm aimed to scale processing capacity to 400 metric tons per day and eventually establish a state-of-the-art shea butter refinery.

He added that as the pioneer to establish the world’s first dedicated Shea Portland, the company aimed at securing sustainable raw material sources, preserving biodiversity, and empowering local communities through long-term land stewardship.

Ali’s words: “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, hence planning to build a state-of-the-art Shea butter refinery,” he emphasized.

The firm is working with technical partnerships with GIZ and DFID through the PROPCOM MAIKAIFI project to recognize local shea nut pickers, mainly women, into well-structured cooperatives to acknowledge grassroots employment.
Niger State Governor, Muhammad Umar Bago, who performed the inauguration, applauded the project as a major step in positioning Niger as the global hub for shea production.

Bago 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 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,” urging the host community to protect and support the investment,” Bago said.

The governor described Niger as a secure and enabling environment for investors, adding that the state government had earmarked 10,000 hectares for shea tree cultivation to ensure consistent raw material supply.

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

Alabi 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 measures.

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, with two to be located 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.

Earlier, 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, and also advised communities to protect the investment for sustainable growth.