‘Nigeria has capacity to produce MSG locally’
The Assistant Manager, Sales/ Marketing for Ajinomoto Foods Nigeria Limited, Yahaya Yakubu has said given Nigeria’s abundant agricultural resources, particularly in crops like cassava and sugarcane, the country has the potential to produce monosodium glutamate (MSG) locally. The MSG is used to make food taste better and in recent times there have been concerns over […]
The Assistant Manager, Sales/ Marketing for Ajinomoto Foods Nigeria Limited, Yahaya Yakubu has said given Nigeria’s abundant agricultural resources, particularly in crops like cassava and sugarcane, the country has the potential to produce monosodium glutamate (MSG) locally.
The MSG is used to make food taste better and in recent times there have been concerns over unbranded MSG brands in the local market. In this interview he speaks about the potential of Nigeria establishing its MSG facilities to reduce the reliance on imported MSG.
He stated that despite the complexity of the MSG market, the company controls a huge market share in “the category that we play.”
“The brand has a strong heritage, and has grown significantly in market share. Apart from that, we have products that are of good quality. Currently, we hold over 70% of the MSG business in Nigeria. Our corporate mantra “Eat Well, Live Well” reinforces our dedication to helping people build good health. More than ever, we are always committed to the well-being of people, society and the planet,” he said.
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On the negative consumer perception about MSG in Nigeria, he stated that things have started to take a turn for good.
“Currently, perception, which seems to be high in the South, is changing gradually and we are beginning to see it on account of increased interest from end-users.
“There is also the advocacy for salt reduction as AJI-NO-MOTO® contains one-third of the sodium found in regular table salt (sodium chloride), which means that it delivers the same, if not greater, flavor while being healthier. Recognising the health implications of high sodium intake, AJI-NO-MOTO® serves as a healthier alternative to table salt. By enhancing the umami flavor in meals, it allows for significant salt reduction without compromising taste. This initiative aligns with efforts to combat hypertension and related health issues prevalent in Nigeria.”
On what the future holds for MSG, he said, “Currently, Nigeria does not have the infrastructure for large-scale monosodium glutamate (MSG) production, we only have a packaging factory in Nigeria.
“The fermentation and production is done in Japan and then we ship it through Brazil, but the same MSG that is being consumed in Japan is the same MSG you consume in Brazil and America. It is the same MSG consumed in Nigeria. So, ours is to package it based on the financial strength of our people.
“The future is bright. If things work well, there is nothing stopping us from having the industry in Nigeria because we have the raw material. As you know, AJI-NO-MOTO® (MSG) is produced from sugar cane.
“Given Nigeria’s abundant agricultural resources, particularly in crops like cassava and sugarcane, and also by investing in the necessary infrastructure and technology, there is significant potential to develop local MSG production capabilities utilising these readily available raw materials.
“We have a lot of engineers that can fix the machines. We have all the requirements in Nigeria to produce the seasoning. Most of what is needed is available. If you need a lot of water, we have dams in Shiroro, Kaduna and Niger dams.
“We have vast lands that can serve as sugar cane plantations. If you go to Adamawa, you have the Savannah Sugar Plantation. Most of the northern states have sugar plantations and the essential technology is also accessible. With strategic investments and development, Nigeria has the potential to establish its own MSG production facilities, leveraging its rich agricultural resources.”