By Simeon Shodimu
Nigeria’s push to transform its agricultural sector received a major boost with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art grains processing facility in Kano, as the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to innovative financing, mechanisation, and export-driven agribusiness growth.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to deploy innovative financing mechanisms to drive agricultural transformation, deepen domestic processing, and scale up agro-produce exports across the country.
GUARDIAN ONLINE of 23 April, 2026 said the Vice President made the assurance during the commissioning of the AFCOT Grains Processing Factory in Kano on Wednesday, a multi-million-dollar facility designed to produce high-quality processed grains and seeds for both local industries and international markets.
Represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, the Vice President said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises sustainable food security and the industrialisation of Nigeria’s agro-processing sector.
He stressed that agribusiness development requires significant investment in processing infrastructure and mechanisation, supported by robust financing frameworks and stable government policies to inspire investor confidence and ensure long-term growth.
Shettima disclosed that under the Green Imperative Programme, the Federal Government has begun structured mechanisation support across all 774 local government areas, aimed at modernising farming practices and improving productivity nationwide.
He further noted that partnerships combining industrial capacity with innovative financing remain central to fast-tracking agricultural development and unlocking the sector’s full economic potential.
Highlighting the significance of the newly inaugurated facility, the Vice President said the AFCOT Sesame and Grains Processing Factory would strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, enhance export competitiveness, increase farmers’ incomes, and generate employment opportunities.
He also commended AFCOT Grains and its parent company, Kewalram Chanrai Group, for their sustained investment in Nigeria, describing their over 150-year global legacy as a testament to resilience and commitment.
In his remarks, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf said the state remains committed to providing an enabling environment for investors, particularly in agriculture, which he described as a key driver of economic growth.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Suleiman Wali Sani, the governor noted that Kano boasts approximately 1.8 million hectares of arable land, with only about 40 per cent currently under cultivation. He added that the state government is intensifying efforts to expand mechanised farming, irrigation systems, and extension services to unlock the sector’s potential.
Yusuf revealed that over 1,000 extension workers have been recruited, while investments have also been made in mechanised equipment and dam construction to support year-round farming activities.
Also speaking, Vice Chairman of the Kewalram Chanrai Group, Navin Chanrai, said the AFCOT facility aligns with the group’s vision of enhancing the value of Nigerian agricultural produce while boosting foreign exchange earnings through exports.
According to him, the plant, situated on a 4.12-hectare site, has the capacity to process 40,000 tonnes of sesame seeds and 25,000 tonnes of other grains annually. At full capacity, it is expected to generate over 500 direct and indirect jobs, with at least 70 per cent of the workforce drawn from Kano State.
