Tradelink Conference (During UNGA) Catalyzes Landmark Shea Butter Investment in Niger State by Chairman of Flour Mills of Nigeria
USA
By Global Dropoff Logistics (GDL)
9/30/20252 min read
New York City, September 2025 — The Tradelink Conference, organized by Global Dropoff Logistics during the 2025 United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week, proved to be a landmark event for Africa’s trade and investment future. The highlight of the conference came when John Coumantaros, Chairman of Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, pledged a bold commitment to establish a Shea Butter processing plant in Niger State, Nigeria.
The pledge came on the heels of a powerful keynote speech by His Excellency Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State, who underscored agriculture as the cornerstone of Africa’s economic transformation. Governor Bago highlighted Niger State’s unique role as Nigeria’s agricultural heartland, calling for bold investments that could unlock its vast potential. His address set the stage for action — and the conference delivered.
Mr. Coumantaros captured the room when he declared:
“I’m so committed to building the value chains out of Niger State, which is really the breadbasket of the country. Flour Mills has one of its largest investments in Niger State, and we are fortunate to have one of the most supportive governors who truly understands agriculture — because all wealth is really created from agriculture. I would like to start a Shea Butter business and call it ‘Niger Butter.’ I want to go to the Governor and set up a processing plant in Niger State, and then I will go to Stephanie Onukwugha, CEO of Global Dropoff Logistics, to help us access Walmart and Amazon for our great Niger Butter.”
His remarks didn’t stop there. With a touch of humor and a clear vision for building value chains end-to-end, Mr. Coumantaros went on to reference collaboration with the NYC Mayor’s Office on tax incentives and discussions with financial institutions to ensure sustainable growth. Notably, the pledge was made in the presence of the New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, reinforcing the international weight and visibility of the commitment.
For Stephanie Onukwugha, Founder & CEO of Global Dropoff Logistics, the pledge exemplified the mission of Tradelink:
“Governor Bago’s keynote was a rallying call for agriculture as the foundation of Africa’s economic power. To see an immediate, tangible pledge come out of that moment — and to witness it here in New York City, with the NYC Mayor’s Office present — proves that Tradelink is more than just dialogue. It is action. Global Dropoff Logistics is proud to facilitate the kind of partnerships that move Africa’s industries from potential to global impact.”
The proposed Shea Butter processing facility, envisioned as “Niger Butter,” represents more than a single investment. It signals a broader shift in how Africa’s natural resources can be transformed into global value chains, creating jobs, empowering women and rural communities, and strengthening Africa’s position in international markets.
With commitments like this — the Tradelink Conference has established itself as a high-impact platform that connects African producers, international buyers, policymakers, and investors to drive real-world outcomes. Mr. Coumantaros’ pledge demonstrates how collaboration sparked at Tradelink can translate into transformative investments for Africa’s future.
Written by Global Dropoff Logistics (GDL): Providing warehousing, logistics, and consultancy services to enhance bi-lateral trading between Africa and the diaspora.
