The Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Alabi, has announced that the Kaiama Shea Butter Factory is projected to generate 10,000 direct and indirect jobs upon completion.
Dr. Alabi made this known on Saturday during an inspection visit to the project site in Kaiama to assess progress and ensure alignment with the state government’s development priorities.
He explained that the factory would engage local shea nut collectors, processors, transporters, and small-scale traders, delivering significant economic benefits, particularly for women and youths in rural communities.
Located in a key shea-producing zone, the factory is considered a strategic investment aimed at harnessing Kwara’s abundant shea resources.
Dr. Alabi praised the superior quality of shea butter from Kwara, highlighting its high oil content, natural purity, and growing demand both locally and internationally – especially in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
“This factory represents more than just an industrial facility – it symbolises how local potential can be transformed into global relevance,” he said.
He added that the initiative reflects Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s inclusive and visionary approach to governance, with a strong focus on grassroots empowerment and sustainable economic growth.
“This is what it means to govern with foresight: investing in our land, empowering our people, and securing the future,” he noted.
According to the Commissioner, the factory forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to promote sustainable agro-industrial development and elevate Kwara’s position within Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
