Olam Agri unveils 10-year plan to boost local wheat and climate-resilient farming

NIGERIA – Global agribusiness leader Olam Agri has renewed its commitment to Nigeria’s food security by scaling local food production and introducing drought-resistant seed development as part of a new 10-year roadmap.

The announcement came during a celebratory event in Lagos, marking 15 years since the company acquired Crown Flour Mills (CFM) in 2010.

Since entering the Nigerian market, Olam Agri has expanded from two to nine processing plants nationwide, producing flour, semolina, and pasta.

These facilities are backed by strong logistics and global sourcing, placing Olam Agri among Africa’s top flour millers.

“At Olam Agri, we focus on unlocking value for customers, enabling farming communities to prosper sustainably and strive for a food-secure future,” said Anil Nair, Country Head for Olam Agri Nigeria.

The new roadmap places strong emphasis on developing climate-resilient wheat seeds and boosting domestic wheat production.

These efforts are supported by partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), and the Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI).

So far, over 500 farmers have been directly engaged through these backward integration efforts.

The company also installed Nigeria’s first advanced premix facility, which allows for micronutrient fortification of food products, improving public health outcomes.

Nitin Mehta, Managing Director and Business Head of Olam Agri’s wheat milling and pasta division, stressed the broader impact of the company’s investments.

“We’re building more than a milling operation; we’re creating a platform for inclusive development that uplifts employees, empowers partners, and delivers value to families across Nigeria.”

The Lagos event also honoured key distributors, staff, and strategic partners. Among them was distributor Femi Areo, who credited the company’s reliable products for boosting his business income.

Long-serving employee Femi Koya shared how his role at Olam Agri has given him a meaningful career tied to national food goals.

As part of its next phase, Olam Agri plans to expand farmer training programmes, promote regenerative agriculture, and roll out more climate-smart seed varieties.

These goals align with Nigeria’s New Hope Agenda and the company’s ongoing belief that food security can be achieved through targeted investment and long-term partnerships.

With a strong foundation built over the past 15 years, Olam Agri aims to continue shaping a resilient, locally-driven food system in Nigeria.

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