Vice-President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated a multi-grain processing facility in Kano established by Afcott Grains Ltd, a subsidiary of the Kewalram Chanrai Group, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain and boost food production capacity.
The project, which was unveiled on Wednesday, is seen by the federal government as a step toward improving value addition in agriculture, increasing farmers’ incomes, and expanding job opportunities across the sector.
Shettima, represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described the facility as a milestone in Nigeria’s push for food sufficiency and agro-industrial development.
“Today’s commissioning is not merely the inauguration of AfCOTT Grains Processing facility, but a clear statement of our national resolve towards food sufficiency, value addition and agro-industrial transformation,” he said.
He explained that the government is prioritising food security under its Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that sustainable food systems depend on a fully integrated agricultural value chain where production is supported by processing, mechanisation, financing, and private sector investment.
“Production must be matched with processing, mechanisation with financing, and policy with private sector confidence and long-term investment,” Shettima said.
The facility is expected to strengthen domestic grain processing capacity, reduce post-harvest losses, and support Nigeria’s broader strategy to expand agricultural production, promote local manufacturing, and increase exports.
The government also highlighted its Green Imperative Programme, which aims to expand mechanised agriculture across all 774 local government areas in the country as part of a long-term productivity drive.
The Kewalram Chanrai Group said the new plant is designed to process about 40,000 tonnes of sesame seeds and 25,000 tonnes of other grains annually.
According to Vice Chairman Navin Chanrai, the project was completed within 12 months and is expected to create more than 500 direct and indirect jobs, with a majority of the workforce drawn from Kano State.
He said the investment is focused on improving value addition in agriculture, boosting exports, and supporting farmers through stronger market access and demand for raw produce.
“Our goal is to serve demanding international markets, including Japan and Europe, while improving the livelihoods of thousands of farming families across Nigeria,” he said.
The company added that its operations span agro-inputs, agro-commodities, and agro-processing across different parts of Nigeria, with a long-term focus on scaling agricultural exports.
Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir-Yusuf, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Suleiman Wali, described the facility as a major boost to the state’s economy and agricultural development efforts.
He said the project reinforces Kano’s position as a key agricultural and commercial hub in Nigeria and West Africa.
He noted that the investment will help create jobs, strengthen supply chains, increase value addition, and improve export earnings for the state.
“Kano remains one of the most strategic and rewarding investment destinations in Nigeria, with vast agricultural potential and a conducive business environment,” he said.
The governor also highlighted ongoing state-level interventions to support agriculture, including investments in mechanisation, extension services, and irrigation systems.
He disclosed that the state has committed over N12 billion to agricultural machinery and recruited 1,000 extension agents to improve productivity and support farmers across the state.
