UNIDO Director General Visits Zeenab Foods, Commits To Strengthening Nigeria’s Food Processing Sector

Abuja, Nigeria – The Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) – Gerd Muller, accompanied by his team, paid a courtesy visit to  Zeenab Foods Limited Head office where he met with the Group Managing Director, Dr. Victor Ayemere (PhD), as part of efforts to bolster Nigeria’s food processing and packaging sector.

Zeenab Foods Limited is an ‘A’ rated company by two international rating agencies, Augustos and Co. Ltd, and  Data Pro Ltd. It is into food processing and agro-commodity trading for the local and international market.

During the visit, the UNIDO delegation embarked on a comprehensive tour of Zeenab Ultra-Modern Rice Mill and other grain processing sections, which features advanced rice processing and packaging machinery, grain cleaning and sorting machinery designed for both local and international markets.

The visit highlighted Zeenab Foods’ commitment to high-quality food processing, value addition, and export-oriented production.

Speaking during the engagement, the DG of UNIDO Gerd Muller reiterated the organisation’s mission to support institutions and private enterprises across Africa in optimizing food production processes. He emphasised UNIDO’s role in transforming businesses from semi-industrialized operations to fully industrialized enterprises, ensuring enhanced value addition to raw materials within the continent.

“Great  to visit one of Zeenab Foods’ rice processing facility Zeenab exemplifies how local agribusiness drives food security, job creation, and rural development. In just nine years, you have built nine processing plants, serving both local and international markets.
UNIDO is ready to work with  Zeenab and serve as a matchmaking platform for a wide range of partnerships,” he stated.

Dr. Victor Ayemere, in his remarks, welcomed the commitment from UNIDO and expressed Zeenab Foods’ eagerness to work closely with the organisation to enhance operational efficiencies, product quality, value chain improvement and market expansion. He noted that such collaborations would further strengthen Nigeria’s position as a major player in the global agricultural sector.

This imminent collaboration marks a major step toward industrialising Nigeria’s food sector. With UNIDO’s expertise and Zeenab Foods’ commitment to excellence, it is set to drive growth in food processing and packaging, benefiting the entire country.