Shettima Unveils 65,000-Tonne Afcott Grains Processing Plant in Kano

News in Brief:

-Vice-President Kashim Shettima inaugurated Afcott Grains Ltd's multi-grain facility in Kano, capable of processing 40,000 tonnes of sesame and 25,000 tonnes of other grains yearly.

-The project is set to contribute to Nigeria's food security drive, create over 500 jobs, and complement Kano's ₦12 billion machinery investments.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima inaugurated a state-of-the-art multi-grain processing facility in Kano, established by Afcott Grains Ltd, a subsidiary of the Kewalram Chanrai Group.

Shettima, who was represented by Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, described the commissioning as more than a facility opening but a significant milestone that signals Nigeria's resolve toward food sufficiency, value addition, and agro-industrial growth.

“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.

The vice president emphasised that food security forms a core pillar of the current administration, achievable only through integrated efforts matching production with processing, mechanisation with financing, and supportive policies with private investment. The facility aligns with this vision by bolstering domestic processing, expanding production, promoting local manufacturing, creating jobs, and enhancing exports. He spotlighted the Green Imperative Programme, targeting mechanised farming across Nigeria's 774 local government areas to scale productivity nationwide.

This initiative comes amid Kano's rising profile in agro-processing, building on recent investments like the African Development Bank's (AfDB) $538 million Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, which includes Kano among seven states. Such projects address longstanding bottlenecks in grain handling and value addition, vital for reducing post-harvest losses and competing globally.

Facility Details and Economic Impact

According to the Vice Chairman of Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr Navin Chanrai, the plant boasts an impressive annual capacity of 40,000 tonnes of sesame seeds and 25,000 tonnes of other grains, positioning it to serve high-demand markets in Japan and Europe. He noted the facility's swift construction and its role in the group's broader operations spanning agro-inputs, commodities, and processing across Nigeria.

“Our goal is to serve demanding international markets, including Japan and Europe, while improving the livelihoods of thousands of farming families across Nigeria,” Chanrai stated. The project will generate over 500 direct and indirect jobs, with at least 70 per cent of the workforce sourced locally from Kano State, injecting vitality into the region's labour market.

Kano's agricultural landscape benefits immensely, as the facility strengthens supply chains, boosts farmer incomes, and elevates export competitiveness. It complements the state's heavy investments, including over ₦12 billion on machinery procurement and the recruitment of 1,000 extension agents to enhance productivity and attract investors. 

Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf, represented by Chief of Staff Dr Suleiman Wali, praised the investment for reinforcing Kano's status as West Africa's agricultural and commercial powerhouse.

“Kano remains one of the most strategic and rewarding investment destinations in Nigeria, with vast agricultural potential and a conducive business environment,” the governor affirmed. Recent state efforts, such as a ₦16.6 billion 2025 budget allocation for farming, irrigation, and livestock, further support this momentum.

Broader Implications for Nigerian Farmers and Economy

For Nigerian farmers, particularly sesame and grain producers in the North, this facility promises stable markets and better prices through efficient processing and export linkages. It humanises the value chain by directly uplifting thousands of families, as Chanrai highlighted, while creating ripple effects in ancillary sectors such as logistics and packaging.

Shettima commended Kewalram Chanrai Group's longstanding contributions to Nigeria's agro-development, from textiles to cotton ginning via Afcott, now extending to grains. This private-public synergy mirrors successful models like the recent upgrades to Dawanau International Grains Market with ₦628 million for 24/7 trading.

The inauguration reinforces Kano's mechanisation drive, including a $12.3 million deal with Sasakawa Africa Association for tractors, harvesters, and rice enterprises. As Nigeria grapples with food inflation and import reliance, such facilities drive self-sufficiency, job creation, and GDP growth in agriculture, which employs over 70 per cent of rural populations.