Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has raised concerns over Africa's minimal contribution to global manufacturing despite its vast agricultural resources.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Springfield Agro-Limited Crops Protection Chemical Plant in Ogun State, Shettima, represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, emphasized the need for industrial growth through value addition.
The newly inaugurated plant, built with a $12 million investment by the Kewalram Chanrai Group, has an initial production capacity of 30 million litres of agrochemicals, with plans to expand to 50 million litres.
The facility will produce herbicides and insecticides, sourcing most raw materials locally while creating over 400 jobs.
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Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, commended the investment, highlighting its role in reducing reliance on imports and enhancing food security.
Shettima reaffirmed the government's commitment to agricultural development through initiatives like the Green Imperative Programme (GIP), aimed at boosting mechanization and productivity across Nigeria.
The plant's commissioning is expected to strengthen Nigeria's agricultural sector, ensuring a steady food supply and driving economic growth.
