News in brief:
– The federal and Ogun State governments launched a $12 million agrochemical plant to enhance food security and local production.
– This facility will reduce agrochemical imports, create 300–500 jobs, and support Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
The federal government, in collaboration with the Ogun State Government, has launched a $12 million (₦18 billion) agrochemical plant by Springfield Agro Crop Protection Chemical Plant in Sagamu. The plant, owned by Kewalram Chanrai Group, is expected to enhance food security, promote local manufacturing, and reduce reliance on imported agrochemicals.
Speaking at the commissioning, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, highlighted the significance of the plant in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain. He emphasised that food security can only be achieved by expanding industrial capacity and aligning with the government’s agenda to combat hunger and ensure sustainable food production.
Public-private collaboration for economic growth
Shettima described the project as a testament to the potential of public-private partnerships in driving national growth. “This project is a demonstration of what can be achieved when the private and public sectors collaborate for growth. We cannot achieve peace unless the robust committees we roll out as a government are complemented by the ambition and commitment of the private sector,” he stated.
The Vice President also lamented Africa’s underrepresentation in global manufacturing despite having vast arable land. He reiterated the government’s commitment to removing barriers for businesses and prioritising agriculture to increase productivity and yields through research, mechanization, and advanced technology.
Ogun state’s commitment to industrial development
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, commended Kewalram Chanrai Group for its contributions to Nigeria’s agriculture sector. He noted that the company has been instrumental in providing total farm solutions, including seeds, fertilisers, tractors, and post-harvest processing.
“This event affirms Ogun’s progress in creating a conducive environment for industries to flourish. By improving inputs, mechanisation, and extension services, our government has positioned Ogun State to drive higher agricultural productivity, reduce the cost of staple foods, and achieve food security,” Abiodun said.
Corporate commitment and job creation
Chairman of Kewalram Chanrai Group, Narain Chanrai, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to Nigeria’s industrialisation. As part of its corporate social responsibility, the project includes a hospital to provide quality healthcare services to the local community.
“The success of Springfield in Nigeria has given us the impetus to expand to other African countries. This plant will drastically reduce the importation of agrochemicals, conserve foreign exchange, and contribute to the backward integration programs of both the federal and state governments,” Chanrai said.
The Springfield Agrochemical Plant will manufacture herbicides and insecticides and feature an integrated bottle manufacturing unit. The facility is expected to generate between 300 and 500 direct and indirect jobs, with priority given to Ogun State indigenes.
