By Yazid Umar
A joint delegation from the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and the Bank of Industry (BOI) has conducted a strategic inspection visit to the Onion and Garlic (O&G) Processing Plant in Sokoto State, aimed at assessing operational capacity and exploring opportunities for industrial collaboration.
The delegation, led by Engr. Emmanuel Kwaya of RMRDC and Mr. Suleiman, Regional Manager of BOI, visited the facility to evaluate existing infrastructure and identify areas requiring modernization and automation. The initiative aligns with national objectives to strengthen the onion value chain, enhance agro-industrial output, and promote local content development in Nigeria.
The delegation met with the RMRDC Sokoto State Coordinator, Mrs. Nadia Bawa, and staff before proceeding directly to the processing site, where they toured various sections of the facility and observed a live test run of the equipment.
The functional status of the machinery was noted in the cause of the tour but emphasized the need for technological upgrades to meet commercial processing standards and boost export potential. According to Engr. Kwaya, “While the infrastructure is commendable, scaling production will require automation and enhanced capacity
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A strategic session followed the inspection, focusing on key areas such as production scalability, supply chain efficiency, and investment feasibility. Discussions centered around strengthening farmer-market integration, financing machinery upgrades, and introducing innovations in storage and packaging.
As part of the visit, the delegation also toured the Sokoto Central Onion Aggregation Site, where they were welcomed by the Chairman of the Onion Marketers Association. The group inspected various aggregation and reserve locations, including Kantin Daji, Dundaye Village, and Moreh area, observing large quantities of well-preserved onions.
The findings confirmed the existence of a robust and sustainable onion supply chain in Sokoto, with year-round availability and strong prospects for industrial use. Mr. Suleiman of BOI praised the state’s onion ecosystem, describing it as the most stable and productive in Nigeria. “The quality of onions here is unmatched,” he noted, “and this sets the foundation for agro-industrial transformation.”
At the end of the two-day visit, the delegation highlighted several key findings:
- The O&G processing facility is operational but requires machinery upgrades for commercial-scale output.
- Sokoto State maintains a consistent and sustainable onion supply chain.
- There is high potential for strategic collaboration between RMRDC and BOI in areas including machinery financing, supply chain integration, and agro-processing innovation.
The visit is expected to catalyse a broader initiative to enhance Nigeria’s onion value chain through public-private partnerships and institutional support.
With Sokoto’s proven capacity in onion production and a functioning processing base, stakeholders expressed optimism about unlocking the full potential of the agro-industrial sector in the region.
