Olam Agri has stepped up its investment in Nigeria’s food and agriculture value chain with the commissioning of a $50 million soybean crushing plant and feed milling facility in Ilorin, Kwara State, alongside the launch of a new consumer edible oil brand aimed at capturing growing demand for healthier cooking products.
The integrated investment marks a strategic push by the agribusiness giant to strengthen backward integration, deepen local sourcing, and expand its footprint across Nigeria’s fast-evolving food systems.
The Ilorin facility, described as the largest soybean crushing plant in sub-Saharan Africa, has a processing capacity of between 250,000 and 350,000 metric tonnes annually. The plant is expected to play a key role in stimulating domestic soybean production, while providing critical inputs for the company’s feed milling operations and its subsidiary, Ruyat Oil.
Speaking on the development, Anil Nair, country head and managing director of Olam Agri in Nigeria, said the company remains committed to long-term investments in food systems, human capital, and value chain development.
The commissioning comes as Nigeria intensifies its push toward food security under the government’s economic reform agenda, with increased emphasis on local production, processing, and value addition.
In a parallel move to deepen its consumer market presence, Olam Agri also unveiled Mama’s Pride Soya Oil, a refined cooking oil positioned as a healthier alternative in Nigeria’s edible oil market. The product launch drew participation from distributors and trade partners nationwide, reflecting strong early interest in the brand.
According to Saurabh Kumar, Africa head of edible oil processing at Olam Agri, the product is designed to meet the nutritional preferences and cooking needs of Nigerian households while leveraging locally sourced raw materials.
“Mama’s Pride Soya Oil is proudly produced in Nigeria for Nigerians,” Kumar said, noting that the product is built on quality, trust, and long-term sustainability. He added that the launch builds on the company’s existing presence across key segments including rice, wheat milling, animal feed, and sesame.
The product’s positioning reflects a growing shift in consumer demand toward healthier and more transparent food options, particularly in urban markets where concerns over adulteration and quality have intensified.
Bola Adeniji, head of marketing at Olam Agri, emphasised the importance of promoting authentic edible oil products, calling on distributors to support efforts to eliminate substandard and adulterated oils from the market.
He highlighted key features of the new product, including fortification with Vitamin A and Omega 3 and 6, zero cholesterol content, and extended frying durability—attributes designed to appeal to both households and commercial users seeking value and safety.
From a strategic standpoint, the dual investment in processing infrastructure and consumer products underscores Olam Agri’s integrated business model, which spans sourcing, processing, and distribution.
Nitin Mehta, managing director of the company’s wheat milling business, described the launch as a milestone in its growth trajectory, noting that delivering quality products at competitive prices remains central to its market strategy.
The new edible oil product is now available nationwide in multiple packaging formats, including PET bottles, pouches, and bulk containers, enabling broad market penetration across different income segments and use cases.
Beyond immediate commercial gains, the investment is expected to have wider economic implications. By sourcing soybeans locally and supporting farmers through structured supply chains, Olam Agri aims to boost agricultural productivity, create jobs, and enhance rural incomes.
As the country seeks to build resilience against global supply shocks, investments such as Olam Agri’s soybean processing plant are expected to play a critical role in improving food security and reducing import dependence.
The company maintains that its long-term vision is aligned with Nigeria’s aspiration for agricultural self-sufficiency.
