Kaiama Shea Butter Factory: Abolore Reaffirms AbdulRazaq’s Rural Industrial Push

L–R: Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Afees Abolore Alabi; Senior Special Adviser on Agriculture, Mallam Musa Baba Mohammed; and a site engineer during an inspection of ongoing work at the Kaiama Shea Butter Factory in Kwara State.

As part of efforts to reinforce the Governor AbdulRazaq-led administration’s commitment to rural industrialisation and value chain development, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Afees Abolore Alabi, has visited the construction site of the Kaiama Shea Butter Factory to assess ongoing work and ensure alignment with the State Government’s delivery priorities.

He was accompanied by the Senior Special Adviser on Agriculture, Mallam Musa Baba Mohammed, during the visit.

Positioned in the heart of a major shea-producing zone, the Kaiama Shea Butter Factory is a strategic investment aimed at unlocking the full potential of Kwara’s abundant shea resources. Upon completion, the facility is expected to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs across the shea value chain—engaging local collectors, processors, transporters, and small-scale traders, with significant benefits for rural women and youth.

Dr Abolore praised the superior quality of Kwara’s shea butter, noting its high oil content, natural purity, and growing demand in both domestic and international markets, particularly in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food sectors.

“This factory represents more than an industrial project, it is a symbol of how local potential can drive global relevance,” he stated.

He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for his bold and people-centred approach to governance, describing the Kaiama Shea Butter Factory as a testament to the administration’s resolve to stimulate inclusive economic growth and uplift rural communities.

“This is what it means to govern with vision—investing in the land, empowering the people, and securing the future,” the Commissioner added.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Adviser on Agriculture, Mallam Musa Baba Mohammed, highlighted the factory’s potential to boost rural income and reduce post-harvest losses in the shea industry. “This is a long-overdue step towards scaling up what our communities have been doing informally for decades,” he said.

A site engineer overseeing the installation of key machinery expressed satisfaction with the pace of work. “We’re on track to deliver a fully functional, modern shea processing facility that meets both local and export-grade standards,” he added.

The Kaiama Shea Butter Factory is a key part of the Kwara State Government’s broader strategy to drive sustainable agro-industrial development, empower rural communities, and position the State as a competitive leader in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

Ashaolu Omotola
Press Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development