By Muhammed Liman and Sulaiman Bayo
In a strategic move to revitalize the shea industry in Kwara State, the National Shea Products Association of Nigeria (NASPAN), Kwara State chapter, has initiated a partnership with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Kwara State office. The visit, which took place on Friday, September 12, 2025, was led by NASPAN State Chairman, Mr. Omotosho Tunde, and featured a robust engagement with the RMRDC State Coordinator, Mrs. L.O. Adewumi.
At the center of discussions were two critical requests presented by NASPAN to support sustainable development within the sector. First, the association appealed for the provision of 10,000 shea nut seedlings to aid in the expansion of local cultivation efforts. This move is aimed at increasing productivity, improving yields, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and processors actively engaged in the shea value chain.
Secondly, NASPAN raised concerns about the rampant felling of shea trees, which continues to threaten the long-term viability of the industry. The association called for RMRDC’s collaboration in launching sensitization campaigns to educate local communities on the economic and environmental importance of preserving shea trees. Safeguarding these natural resources, they emphasized, is essential to ensuring the sustainability and resilience of the industry.
In her response, Mrs. Adewumi commended NASPAN’s proactive stance and offered strategic guidance on how best to advance their objectives. She underscored the importance of capacity-building programs, encouraging the association to organize training sessions for members on modern shea cultivation practices. According to her, such initiatives will not only boost productivity and improve product quality but also enhance the industry’s competitiveness in both local and international markets.
You Might AlsoLike
She further advised NASPAN to organize its members into clusters to streamline resource allocation and facilitate the implementation of support programs. Cluster formation, she noted, would enable the RMRDC to tailor interventions more effectively and ensure efficient delivery of assistance. Mrs. Adewumi assured the delegation that once the clusters are established, their requests would be forwarded to the RMRDC headquarters for timely consideration and action.
The visit marks a significant step forward in building a collaborative framework between NASPAN and RMRDC in Kwara State. It also reinforces the RMRDC’s mandate to promote the development and sustainable use of Nigeria’s raw materials while supporting grassroots initiatives.
As the shea industry continues to serve as a critical component of Kwara State’s agricultural economy, this growing synergy between NASPAN and RMRDC offers a promising outlook for stakeholders, from farmers to processors, committed to cultivating a resilient and thriving sector.
