By Ramatu Garba
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday inaugurated a multi-grain processing facility established by Afcott Grains Ltd in Kano.
Afcott Grains Ltd is a subsidiary of the Kewalram Chanrai Group.
Shettima said the project underscored Nigeria’s resolve to boost value addition, enhance productivity and strengthen the agricultural value chain.
Represented by Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Shettima described the facility as a significant milestone toward enhancing export competitiveness, increasing farmers’ incomes and generating employment opportunities.
“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.
Shettima said the federal government prioritised food security as a central component of its Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said that sustainable food security could only be achieved through integrated industrial capacity across the agricultural value chain.
“Production must be matched with processing, mechanisation with financing, and policy with private sector confidence and long-term investment,” Shettima said.
He said the facility would strengthen domestic processing capacity and align with the government’s broader agenda to expand production, promote local manufacturing, create jobs and boost exports.
The vice-president highlighted the federal government’s Green Imperative Programme, aimed at scaling up mechanised agriculture across the 774 local government areas in the country.
Shettima commended the company for its long-standing investment in Nigeria, noting their contribution to agro-industrial development.
Mr Navin Chanrai, Vice Chairman, Kewalram Chanrai Group, said the facility is designed to produce 40,000 tonnes of sesame seeds and 25,000 tonnes of other grains annually.
Chanrai said the project, completed within 12 months, would create over 500 direct and indirect jobs, with at least 70 per cent of the workforce drawn from Kano State.
He said the investment was part of the group’s strategy to enhance value addition, boost exports and support Nigerian farmers.
“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.
Chanrai said the company’s operations spanned agro-inputs, agro-commodities and agro-processing, with facilities in different parts of the country.
Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Suleiman Wali, described the project as a major boost to the state’s economy.
He said the investment reinforced Kano’s position as a leading agricultural and commercial hub in Nigeria and West Africa.
According to Kabir-Yusuf, the facility will create jobs, enhance value addition, strengthen supply chains and increase export earnings.
“Kano remains one of the most strategic and rewarding investment destinations in Nigeria, with vast agricultural potential and a conducive business environment,” he said.
He said the state government had invested heavily in agricultural mechanisation, extension services and irrigation infrastructure to support farmers and attract investors.
The governor said the state committed over N12 billion in agricultural machinery and recruited 1,000 extension agents to boost productivity.
The event was attended by government officials, industry stakeholders, farmer associations and other key players in the agricultural value chain. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
