Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday inaugurated a multi-grain processing facility established by AFCOTT Grains Ltd., a subsidiary of the Kewalram Chanrai Group, in Kano.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shettima said the project underscored Nigeria’s resolve to boost value addition, enhance productivity, and strengthen the agricultural value chain.
Shettima, who was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, described the facility as a significant milestone that would enhance export competitiveness, increase farmers’ incomes, and generate employment opportunities.
“Today’s commissioning is not merely the inauguration of the AFCOTT Grains Processing Facility, but a clear statement of our national resolve towards food sufficiency, value addition, and agro-industrial transformation,” he said.
He said the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had prioritised food security as a central component of its Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, sustainable food security can 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,” he added.
He noted that the facility would strengthen domestic processing capacity and align with the government’s broader agenda of expanding production, promoting local manufacturing, creating jobs, and boosting exports.
He also highlighted the Federal Government’s Green Imperative Programme, aimed at scaling mechanised agriculture across the 774 local government areas in the country.
Shettima commended AFCOTT Grains and the Kewalram Chanrai Group for their long-standing investment in Nigeria, noting their contributions to agro-industrial development.
In his remarks, the Vice Chairman of the Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr Navin Chanrai, said the facility was designed to process 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 explained that 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.
He added that the company’s operations spanned agri-inputs, agri-commodities, and agri-processing, with facilities in different parts of the country.
Also speaking, 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 him, 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.
The governor noted that the state government had invested heavily in agricultural mechanisation, extension services, and irrigation infrastructure to support farmers and attract investors.
He added that over N12 billion had been committed to agricultural machinery, while more than 1,000 extension workers had been recruited to boost productivity.
NAN reports that the event was attended by government officials, industry stakeholders, farmers’ associations, and other key players in the agricultural value chain.
NAN
