Katsina State has revitalized the Kankia Groundnut Oil Mill, a 33-year-old facility that had lain dormant for decades, in a transformative effort to bolster agricultural processing and stimulate economic growth. The mill’s reopening in May 2025 marks a pivotal step toward food security and job creation in northern Nigeria.
The mill, originally built in the 1980s, was recommissioned after a ₦2.5 billion overhaul that modernized its infrastructure and installed state-of-the-art processing equipment. Capable of producing 12,000 metric tons of groundnut oil annually, the facility also generates by-products like animal feed and soap ingredients, serving both domestic and regional markets. The project, spearheaded by Governor Dikko Radda, aligns with Katsina’s agenda to revive agro-industrial assets and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported edible oils. Over 600 direct jobs have been created, with thousands of farmers and suppliers benefiting indirectly through guaranteed markets for their groundnuts.
The mill’s impact on Kankia and surrounding communities is profound. Local farmers, previously reliant on volatile markets, now have a stable buyer, ensuring consistent incomes and encouraging expanded cultivation. The state government has introduced training programs to equip workers with skills in modern processing and quality control, while partnerships with agricultural cooperatives ensure a steady supply chain.
The mill’s success has prompted plans to rehabilitate other dormant facilities across Katsina, with a focus on rice and cotton processing. Economists praise the initiative as a model for northern states, where agriculture remains a cornerstone of livelihoods. The project also supports Nigeria’s broader goal of achieving self-sufficiency in food production, offering a blueprint for sustainable development.