Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has announced plans to plant 10 million Shea trees over 10,000 hectares to boost Shea butter production and create jobs for youths and women, and position Niger as Nigeria’s Shea butter hub.

This project,  backed by Niger Foods and involving partnerships with Salid Agriculture Ltd., Saudi EXIM Bank, and Nigeria’s NEXIM Bank, with a commitment to a $100 million irrigation project was revealed during the commissioning of the Salid Shea Butter Processing Plant in Kudu.

An N2 billion MoU has been signed to engage women and youth in the processing of shea nut collection directly.

The Managing Director of NEXIM Bank noted Nigeria’s significant shea nut production, yet highlighted the need for improved processing capacity. 

The Salid factory is set to produce 30,000 metric tonnes of shea butter annually, aiming to meet global standards and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the market.

Source: Channels TV

Image Credit: Channels TV