By Jennete Ugo Anya
In a move set to redefine Nigeria’s non-oil export landscape, the Nigeria Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank has commissioned a N2 billion state-of-the-art shea butter processing facility in Kudu, Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State — marking a bold step in the country’s agro-industrial revolution.
The new Salid Shea Butter Processing Plant, with a production capacity of 100 tonnes per day, is designed to tap into the fast-growing US$2 billion global shea butter market, projected to reach US$3.566 billion by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%, according to Transparency Market Research.
Industry analysts believe this development positions Nigeria to challenge market leaders such as Ghana and Burkina Faso.
A Shift from Oil to Agriculture
Commissioned by the Governor of Niger State, Farmer Dr. Mohammed Umar Bago, and spearheaded by NEXIM Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Abba Bello, the plant reflects a rare synergy between financial institutions, local government, and private investors in driving Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
For decades, Nigeria’s economy has relied heavily on oil, which accounted for over 90% of export earnings in 2023 (World Bank). The commissioning of this plant signals a deliberate pivot to non-oil sectors, particularly agro-processing, which experts say could generate over 1.2 million jobs by 2030 (African Development Bank).
Harnessing Niger State’s Shea Belt
Niger State is home to over 400,000 hectares of shea trees, producing an estimated 500,000 metric tons of shea nuts annually (African Shea Butter Industry Association). Despite this abundance, most shea nuts have historically been exported raw, with little local value addition.
Governor Bago, a former banker with UBA and FCMB before his election in 2023, used the occasion to announce an ambitious plan to plant 10 million additional shea trees across 10,000 hectares. This initiative complements a $100 million irrigation project with Saudi EXIM Bank, aimed at transforming the region from subsistence farming to agro-industrial production.
Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Supply
A major highlight of the commissioning was the signing of a N2 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Salid Agriculture Nigeria Ltd. — the plant’s operator — and Niger Foods. The agreement secures sustainable raw material aggregation from surrounding communities, ensuring uninterrupted production and stable supply chains.
Salid Agriculture is one of four indigenous firms benefiting from NEXIM Bank’s Export Development Scheme, which provides financing and technical support to boost Nigeria’s competitive advantage in global markets.
Empowering Communities, Especially Women
Globally, over 80% of the shea value chain workforce are women, according to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. By localizing processing, the new plant is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, especially for women involved in shea nut harvesting and processing, while boosting rural incomes by up to 30% (World Bank, 2021).
Mr. Abba Bello emphasized that the project is “a practical demonstration of how targeted financing can unlock Nigeria’s potential in non-oil exports, create jobs, and stimulate rural economies while positioning the country as a major player in the global value chain.”
High-Profile Attendance
The event drew dignitaries from government, traditional leadership, and the private sector, including:HRM Alh. (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers; Mr. Timipre Sylva, former Governor of Bayelsa State; and Alh. Aminu Tukuma, Niger State Commissioner for Investment and Trade.
Their presence underscored the political, cultural, and economic weight behind this initiative, and the broad consensus on the need to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil.
A New Chapter for Nigeria’s Agro-Exports
With Asia-Pacific markets for shea butter projected to grow at 8.7% CAGR between 2025 and 2030 (Grand View Research), industry experts say the Salid plant could give Nigeria a competitive foothold in a sector increasingly driven by demand for natural cosmetics and skincare products.
As Governor Bago put it: “This is not just about shea butter; it is about reimagining our economy, empowering our people, and showing the world that Nigeria can move from exporting raw commodities to exporting finished, high-value products.”
With NEXIM Bank’s backing, Niger State’s vast shea resources, and committed local partnerships, the commissioning of the Salid Shea Butter Processing Plant may well be remembered as the moment Nigeria’s agro-industrial renaissance truly took root.
