By Lanre Shodimu
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to strengthen its agricultural value chains and reduce dependence on imports, agribusiness investments are playing a pivotal role in driving food security, industrial growth, and job creation. In line with this momentum.
Olam Agri has taken a major step to deepen local production and expand consumer offerings with a significant new investment in Kwara State.
It has commissioned a crushing plant—now the largest in sub-Saharan Africa—has an annual processing capacity of between 250,000 and 350,000 metric tonnes. It is expected to boost local soybean production while supplying raw materials to the company’s feed mill and its subsidiary, Ruyat Oil.
Speaking on the development, Anil Nair, Country Head and Managing Director of Olam Agri in Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening critical value chains, investing in human capital, and upholding food safety standards, all in alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In addition, the company unveiled Mama’s Pride Soya Oil, a refined and heart-friendly cooking oil tailored to meet the changing nutritional needs of Nigerian households. The product launch attracted strong market interest, with trade partners from across the country in attendance.
Saurabh Kumar, Africa Head of Edible Oil Processing at Olam Agri, described the new product as a carefully developed innovation designed specifically for Nigerian kitchens.
“Mama’s Pride Soya Oil is proudly produced in Nigeria for Nigerians. It is a trusted option for everyday cooking,” he said, adding that its superior quality, health benefits, and durability position it to set new standards in the market.
Kumar noted that the launch reflects Olam Agri’s sustained investment in Nigeria, building on its footprint across rice, wheat milling, animal feed, and sesame value chains. He emphasised that the product is rooted in local sourcing, sustainability, and high production standards.
Also speaking, Bola Adeniji, Head of Marketing, underscored the importance of promoting safe and authentic edible oils in the Nigerian market. He urged consumers to prioritise non-adulterated products, noting that Mama’s Pride Soya Oil delivers both quality and nutritional value.
He further called on distributors and retailers to support genuine brands and help curb the spread of adulterated products for the overall well-being of consumers.
Adeniji highlighted key features of the product, including fortification with Vitamin A and Omega 3 and 6, zero cholesterol content, and long-lasting frying performance, offering value for money.
Nitin Mehta, Managing Director of the company’s wheat milling business, described the launch as a milestone moment. He explained that after more than 18 months of research and development, the company has introduced a high-quality yet affordable product aimed at transforming the edible oil segment.
He expressed confidence that, with strong dealer support—already evident in the company’s pasta and semolina segments—Mama’s Pride Soya Oil will gain widespread acceptance in the market.
Now available nationwide, the product comes in multiple sizes to meet both household and commercial needs, including PET bottles (500ml, 1L, 2L), pouches (350ml, 1L), and a 25-litre keg.
Olam Agri continues to pursue a fully integrated agribusiness model, working closely with farmers through structured support systems to improve yields and enhance local processing capacity. This approach underscores its broader commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s food systems, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.
At the launch, Nasir described the introduction of Mama’s Pride Soya Oil as a direct result of the company’s long-term investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He reiterated the company’s belief in the country’s potential for food self-sufficiency, stressing that sustained investment in infrastructure, farmer empowerment, and high-quality consumer products will be key to building a resilient and food-secure nation.
