The Niger State Government led by Governor Umaru Bago met with representatives from EFKO Group, a Russian agro-industrial giant, to discuss about the potential partnerships to boost the state’s agricultural and food processing sectors.
EFKO Group is a major producer of specialized fats used in confectionery, baking, and food production. The company also dominates Russia’s vegetable oil market with top brands like Sloboda and Altero.
One of the central topics was sunflower oil production. With Russia ranking among the world’s top sunflower oil producers, alongside Ukraine and Argentina, EFKO is seeking to expand sourcing partnerships. Niger State’s agricultural potential presents an opportunity to integrate contract farming models for sunflower cultivation—similar to strategies used by companies like Bidco Africa in East Africa.
The meeting also explored partnership in broader food processing areas, with EFKO offering products like mayonnaise, margarine, sauces, pasta, rice, and cookies. Investment, technology transfer, and public-private partnerships were discussed as additional areas of interest.
The Governor highlighted the potential benefits of the partnership, including economic diversification, agricultural development, and increased employment. The contract farming model could empower local farmers while EFKO’s involvement may bring in advanced farming and processing technologies to Niger state.
Authorities from both parties are expected to conduct feasibility studies to determine the suitability of Niger State’s land for sunflower farming. Discussions will continue on contract terms and infrastructure development, including processing and storage facilities to support large-scale operations.
