By Lucy Ogalue
The Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Mr Gerd Muller, has pledged the organisation’s support towards enhancing Nigeria’s food processing and packaging sector.
Muller made the pledge when he led a UNIDO delegation on a courtesy visit to the head office of Zeenab Foods Limited in Abuja.
He was received by the Group Managing Director, Dr Victor Ayemere.
Muller commended Zeenab Foods for its achievements in the sector, noting the company’s role in promoting food security, rural development, and employment creation.
“Great to visit one of Zeenab Foods’ rice processing facilities. 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 said.
Responding, Dr Ayemere welcomed UNIDO’s commitment and expressed optimism about future collaborations aimed at improving operational efficiency, enhancing product quality, and expanding market access.
He said Zeenab Foods was committed to playing a key role in strengthening Nigeria’s food value chain and positioning the country as a major player in the global agro-processing industry.
“The potential partnership between UNIDO and Zeenab Foods is expected to further industrialise Nigeria’s food sector and stimulate inclusive economic growth across the country,” he said.
The visit featured a tour of the company’s ultra-modern rice mill and other grain processing facilities.
The facilities include advanced rice processing and packaging machines, as well as grain cleaning and sorting equipment designed to meet global standards.
Zeenab Foods, rated ‘A’ by international rating agencies Augusto & Co. Ltd and Data Pro Ltd, is engaged in food processing and agro-commodity trading for both domestic and international markets.
