A 50-ton shea butter processing plant in Kaiama, Kwara State, is scheduled to be put into service. It is said to be the largest state government-owned facility in Nigeria.
By placing communities at the center of value addition and lowering post-harvest losses, the plant, according to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, would revolutionize the production of shea butter in Kwara North.
The initiative follows a six-month prohibition on the export of raw shea nuts issued by President Bola Tinubu.
The prohibition was intended to increase domestic processing, generate employment, and establish Nigeria as a major producer of refined shea butter and its byproducts worldwide.In a statement released on Tuesday, AbdulRazaq stated, “This factory is a purposeful step to stimulate local production, improve quality, and ensure value retention within Kwara North.”
“It directly engages women farmers and nut pickers who dominate the sector, while consolidating raw material sourcing, processing, and market access locally,” he said.
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