By Festus Obot & Adaora Adibe
The Director General and Chief Executive of Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso has revealed that the shea nut processing value chain has the potential to create over 600,000 new jobs in the first instance. The RMRDC boss made this disclosure when he led a team of top management staff of the Council on a tour of Salid Agriculture Shea Processing Factory – Nigeria’s largest shea processing refinery in Kudu, Bida, Niger State on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
Prof Ike-Muonso emphasized that the shea nut industry has been identified as a key sector with huge potential to drive economic growth and industrial development in Nigeria. According to Prof Ike-Muonso, “as the largest producer of shea nut in the world accounting for over 39% of global production, Nigeria must shift from volume to value. Nigeria possesses enormous potential to expand its shea industry to create over 600,000 new jobs, improve the living standards of the people, strengthen the country’s currency and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and industrial development”, he stated.
Speaking during the facility tour, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Salid Agriculture Shea Processing Factory, Alhaji Ali Saidu commended RMRDC continued support in addressing identified challenges in the industry to unlock its full potential for the benefit of the country. He noted that with such support and the right investments, the shea nut industry can become a major driver of economic growth and industrial development in Nigeria.
Mr Ali Saidu stated further that “we commend the efforts of RMRDC in promoting the shea industry and it is our believe that the efforts of the Council will have significant impact on the country’s economy through job creation, revenue generation and promoting economic growth”.
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Over the years, RMRDC has fostered strong collaborations and sustained partnerships to advance the shea nut industry, prioritizing research, development, and value addition to Nigeria’s raw materials, thereby increasing their revenue yielding value.
Members of the RMRDC team who accompanied the Director General on the facility tour include: Director (PS&PDD), Mrs Rachel R. Kotso; Director (AARMD), Dr Seb Ebiriekwe,; Director (SIESD) Dr Edith Obi,; Asst Director (PSU), Mr Festus Obot, and others.
