Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has unveiled an ambitious plan to plant 10 million shea trees across the state, in a move aimed at boosting shea butter production, creating jobs, and positioning the state as a leading hub for shea cultivation and processing in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative in Kudu, Mokwa Local Government Area, Governor Bago announced that 10,000 hectares of land have been earmarked for the plantations. The programme is expected to provide employment for thousands of women and youth, while also strengthening Niger’s role in the global shea value chain.
The event also marked the commissioning of a 30,000-metric-ton capacity shea butter processing plant, built by Salid Agriculture Nigeria Ltd. with support from the Nigerian Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank. The facility will process raw shea nuts into high-quality butter for both domestic use and export, bridging a critical gap in Nigeria’s agricultural processing capacity.
NEXIM Bank Managing Director Abba Bello noted that Nigeria accounts for about 60 percent of the world’s shea nut production but has long struggled with inadequate industrial processing facilities. “This project will not only enhance value addition but also create sustainable livelihoods in rural communities,” he said.
A ₦2 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Niger Foods and the processing company to engage women and youth in shea nut collection and supply. Traditional rulers and federal officials present at the launch lauded the initiative as a milestone in Niger State’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Governor Bago reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agricultural development, adding that the shea initiative would be accompanied by environmental restoration efforts and long-term economic planning.
“With 10 million shea trees, Niger will not just be a producer, but a global player in the shea industry,” he declared.
