Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has raised concerns over Africa’s minimal contribution to global manufacturing despite its vast agricultural resources. Speaking at the inauguration of the Springfield Agro-Limited Crops Protection Chemical Plant in Ogun State, Shettima highlighted that the continent accounts for less than two percent of global manufacturing output.
Represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Shettima stressed the need for African nations to leverage their agricultural potential for industrial growth and value addition. He emphasized that Nigeria, being at the forefront of this challenge, must lead efforts to reverse the trend through transformative policies and private sector collaboration.
The Vice President stated that the commissioning of the agrochemical plant aligns with the government’s efforts to combat hunger and enhance food security. “Through research institutes, schemes, and cutting-edge technology, our focus on food security is driven by an unshakable belief that Nigerians have no reason to go hungry,” Shettima said.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to agricultural development, Shettima referenced initiatives such as the Green Imperative Programme (GIP), designed to enhance mechanization and food production across Nigeria’s 774 local councils.
The chairman of the Kewalram Chanrai Group, N.G. Chanrai, disclosed that the newly inaugurated plant has an initial production capacity of 30 million litres of agrochemicals across three production lines, with an expansion plan to reach 50 million liters. He stated that the facility, built with an estimated $12 million investment, will manufacture both herbicides and insecticides, with most raw materials sourced locally except for technical components.
Chanrai noted that with full production underway, the plant is expected to create over 400 jobs for Ogun State residents. He further highlighted the company’s role in supporting Nigeria’s agricultural sector through the supply of quality and affordable agricultural inputs and the export of Nigerian produce, contributing to foreign exchange earnings.
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Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, lauded the Kewalram Chanrai Group for its investment, emphasizing that the project underscores the state’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment.
“This plant is a strong demonstration of confidence in the local economy and a commitment to enhancing local capacity, reducing dependence on imported agrochemicals, and boosting industrialisation and food security,” Abiodun stated.
He added that the state government has focused on improving agricultural inputs, mechanization, and extension services to drive higher productivity, lower staple food costs, and achieve food security. “Projects like this chemical plant further reinforce these efforts, empowering farmers to maximize yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure a steady food supply chain,” he added.
The commissioning of the Springfield Agro-Limited Crops Protection Chemical Plant is expected to further bolster Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, enhancing local production capacity and reducing the nation’s reliance on imported agrochemicals.
