Niger State to Plant 10 Million Shea Trees, Powering Jobs, Exports.

Niger State has unveiled an ambitious plan to plant 10 million shea trees across 10,000 hectares, aiming to position the state as Nigeria’s leading shea butter hub. Governor Umaru Bago announced the initiative during the commissioning of the Salid Shea Butter Processing Plant in Kudu, Mokwa Local Government Area, describing it as a major step in transforming agriculture and boosting rural livelihoods.

The tree-planting project, led by Niger Foods in partnership with Salid Agriculture Ltd., Saudi EXIM Bank, and Nigeria’s NEXIM Bank, will be supported by a $100 million irrigation scheme from Saudi partners. A N2 billion public-private partnership agreement has also been signed to engage thousands of women and youths in shea nut collection for supply to the new factory.

NEXIM Bank Managing Director Abba Bello highlighted Nigeria’s position as the producer of about 60% of the world’s shea nuts, yet lacking large-scale processing facilities. The new Salid plant, with a capacity to process 30,000 metric tonnes annually to global standards, is set to change that, enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in international markets.

Government officials, including the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, praised the project for aligning with national economic diversification goals while warning against market distortions and environmental degradation. Traditional leaders also called for an end to indiscriminate tree felling, stressing the environmental benefits of the initiative.

If fully executed, Niger State’s strategy could become a benchmark for African regions seeking to harness indigenous crops for sustainable economic growth, export expansion, and climate resilience.