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 event, Shettima said the project underscores Nigeria’s commitment to boosting value addition, enhancing productivity, and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
Represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Shettima described the facility as a milestone that will improve export competitiveness, increase farmers’ incomes, and create 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.
He emphasized that sustainable food security requires integrated industrial capacity across the agricultural value chain, noting that production must be paired with processing, mechanization with financing, and policy with private-sector confidence.
Shettima highlighted the facility’s role in strengthening domestic processing capacity and advancing the government’s agenda of expanding production, promoting local manufacturing, creating jobs, and boosting exports. He also cited the Federal Government’s Green Imperative Programme, which aims to scale mechanized agriculture across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
He commended AFCOTT Grains and the Kewalram Chanrai Group for their investment in Nigeria and contributions to agro-industrial development.
Vice Chairman of Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr. Navin Chanrai, said the facility is designed to process 40,000 tonnes of sesame seeds and 25,000 tonnes of other grains annually. Completed in 12 months, it will create over 500 direct and indirect jobs, with 70% of the workforce drawn from Kano State.
“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, adding that the company’s operations span agri-inputs, agri-commodities, and agri-processing across the country.
Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Suleiman Wali, described the project as a major boost to Kano’s economy. He said 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, noting that the state government has invested over N12 billion in agricultural machinery and recruited more than 1,000 extension workers to support farmers and attract investors.
The event was attended by government officials, industry stakeholders, farmers’ associations, and other key players in the agricultural value chain.
