The Federal Government has lauded the launch of Africa’s largest onion storage facility, describing it as a major milestone in Nigeria’s industrial and agricultural transformation.
The N10 billion ultra-modern facility, commissioned by Prism Foods Limited in Kano, is expected to address perennial post-harvest losses, create thousands of jobs, and boost national food security.
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Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, described the facility as a game-changer for Nigeria’s agro-industrial landscape.
“For me, this is a very exciting development, which is why I had to be here personally,” Senator Enoh said. “An investor committing N10 billion, employing over 200 people, and building infrastructure that addresses the huge waste we experience during harvest seasons this is not just commendable, it is transformative.”
The Minister highlighted the strategic importance of the facility in preserving perishable produce such as onions, especially outside harvest periods, noting that the processing, grading, and storage capabilities of the facility would add immense value to Nigeria’s onion industry.
“This facility doesn’t just store onions, it processes and enhances them. It adds value from cleaning to grading, and that’s a big leap for industrial growth,” he stated.
Senator Enoh also reiterated the Federal Government’s support through the Bank of Industry (BOI), noting that the current administration has made additional provisions of over N500 billion in funding to support such industrial initiatives.
“The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is ready to provide necessary incentives such as import duty exemptions for agro-industrial facilities like this,” he added. “And we are encouraging not just local investors, but also international partners, that Nigeria is indeed open and ready for business.”
Also speaking at the event, President of the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), Aliyu Isah Maitasamu, described the launch as a “new dawn” for Nigerian agriculture.
“Today, we witnessed the launch of the largest onion storage facility in Africa, right here in Kano—the heartbeat of agricultural trade in Northern Nigeria,” Maitasamu declared.
With a storage capacity of 10,000 metric tons, the facility is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses and enhance the income of farmers.
“For years, Nigerian farmers have suffered huge losses due to poor storage infrastructure. This facility will not only extend the shelf life of onions but also improve quality, encourage productivity, create jobs, and position Nigeria for regional export under the AfCFTA,” he said.
Maitasamu called on stakeholders to protect and support the investment, urging for continued public-private partnerships to drive sector-wide growth.
“To our hardworking farmers, this is your victory. This project is a promise that your labor will not be in vain,” he said.
Representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Kano State Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Shehu Wada Sagagi, emphasized the alignment of the facility with the state’s agricultural development agenda.
“With a N10 billion investment and 10,000 metric tons in storage capacity, this facility is more than infrastructure, it is a beacon of hope, a catalyst for agro-industrial growth,” Sagagi said.
He called for deeper collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to decentralize onion collection, grading, and processing centers across major onion-producing LGAs such as Albasu, Kura, Gaya, and Bunkure.
“This will empower local farmers, ensure quality control, and foster grassroots industrial hubs,” he said.
The Commissioner also proposed the creation of a National Onion Council to regulate quality standards, coordinate production clusters, and solidify Nigeria’s position in global onion trade.
“In addition to improved infrastructure, access to affordable financing is critical,” he added, urging institutions like the BOI, Bank of Agriculture, and NIRSAL to support onion farmers and processors through tailored financing models.
Sagagi commended NOPPMAN and Prism Foods for their foresight and pledged Kano State’s full support.
“This is not just the unveiling of a storage facility, it is the beginning of a new chapter in agro-industrial development. Kano is ready, our farmers are eager, and our youth are full of potential,” he said.
