Buhler Nigeria a leading technology provider has assured stakeholders and clients that it is ready to leverage the planned “Special Agro-Processing Zones” across the nation, to support massive food production and feed over 250m people.

The Managing Director Mr. Manuel Murrenhoff disclosed this at the 2022 “Customer Experience Day” event in Lagos.

He acknowledged the fact that Nigeria has the most arable land in Africa and Buhler Nigeria was committed to supporting the nation’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency.

According to him by 2100, Nigeria will emerge as the second most populous country in the world with approximately 800m people , which will require a robust and dynamic agriculture sector that feeds the nation.

He highlighted the following areas that if addressed can improve the chances of feeding Nigeria’s rising population, which include:

• Increasing yield- improving agricultural practices, soil research, seeds, fertilizer distribution.
• Avoiding and Reducing food contamination-improving storage facilities, logistics and transportation thereby reducing post-harvest losses.
• Increase transparency- improving the milling and food processing in the country.
• Build Sustainable Value Chains- improving the connection with retailers and consumers.

Speaking further he pointed out that Buhler Nigeria is investing in a Grain Processing Innovation Centre in Kano, that will serve as the center of competence for local grain milling in Africa.

He stressed that the “Special Agro-Processing Zones” was apt and the company will support the development of food parks, through the deployment of technology that will lead to the extension of the value-chains, efficient operations, advantageous infrastructure, product quality and food safety and sustainability.

Giving her remarks at the event the Commissioner for Agriculture Ms. Bisola Olusanya commended Buhler for its significant investments in Nigeria. She was excited about the partnership with Lagos state as it prepares to complete the Rice Mill in Imota, which has been described as the biggest in West Africa.

She said the Mill when completed will integrate the entire value chain in rice production, serving over 20m Lagosians and other parts of the country.

The Commissioner informed the stakeholders that Lagos is open for business and eager to collaborate with other leading players in the agri-business value chain.

Mr. Leo Kange the General Manager, Large Enterprises, Bank of Industry, in his presentation said the development bank has disbursed about N418bn supporting entrepreneurs, businesses and groups to scale their businesses in the country.

He added that 4,103 agri-processing enterprises have been supported across the oil, flour and rice milling businesses amongst others. The Bank of Industry official described the “Special Agro-Processing Zones” as a welcome development that will increase food production and increase value addition in the agriculture sector.