Olam Agri commissions $50m soybean crushing plant, launches soya oil in Ilorin

By Aliyu Adam

The Olam Agri has commissioned a $50 million state-of-the-art soybean crushing plant and feed milling facility in Ilorin the capital of Kwara State, marking a major expansion of its operations in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.

The facility, described as the largest soybean crushing plant in sub-Saharan Africa, has an annual processing capacity of between 250,000 and 350,000 metric tonnes. It is expected to mount local soybean production, supply raw materials for the company’s feed mill, and support the operations of its subsidiary, Ruyat Oil.

Speaking on the development, the Country Head and Managing Director of Olam Agri Nigeria, Anil Nair, said the investment underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening key agricultural value chains, enhancing food safety, and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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At the event, Olam Agri disclosed Mama’s Pride Soya Oil, a refined cooking oil tailored to meet the nutritional needs of Nigerian households.

The Africa Head of Edible Oil Processing at Olam Agri, Saurabh Kumar, described the product as a carefully advanced innovation for local consumers.

“Mama’s Pride Soya Oil is proudly produced in Nigeria for Nigerians. With its superior quality, health benefits, and durability, we are confident that it will set new standards in the market,” he said.

Kumar noted that the product reflects the company’s long-term investment in Nigeria, building on its footprint in rice, wheat milling, animal feed, and sesame value chains.

Also speaking, Head of Marketing, Bola Adeniji, emphasized the importance of promoting safe and healthy edible oils, urging consumers and distributors to prioritize authentic, non-adulterated products.

He further explained that Mama’s Pride Soya Oil is fortified with Vitamin A and Omega 3 and 6, contains zero cholesterol, and offers long-lasting frying performance.

In his remarks, Managing Director of the Wheat Milling Business, Nitin Mehta, described the launch as a milestone achievement for the company.

“ With over 18 months of research and development, we are proud to introduce a high-quality and affordable product that meets global standards,” he said.

The product is now available nationwide in multiple sizes, including 350ml and 1L pouches, 500ml, 1L, and 2L PET bottles, as well as 25-litre kegs for commercial use.

Olam Agri reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria through continued investment in local sourcing, farmer support programmes, and domestic processing. The company noted that its integrated approach is aimed at improving productivity, creating jobs, and strengthening the country’s food security.

Nair emphasised that the launch of Mama’s Pride Soya Oil is part of a broader vision to enhance Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in food production.

“By investing in infrastructure, empowering farmers, and delivering high-quality products, we are contributing to a resilient and food-secure nation,” he said.