Santuscom Foods Ltd has achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of its premium agricultural products in the United Kingdom, marking a major step in the company’s international expansion and reinforcing Nigeria’s growing reputation in non-oil exports.
The company’s products were first introduced in England before expanding to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. They are now available in major retail outlets across the United Kingdom.
Products making their debut in the UK include Ogoja Yam Pando, Ogoja Garri, Ogoja Plantain Flour, Ogoja Palm Oil and Santuscom Honey Beans, all processed and packaged to meet international quality standards.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Santuscom Foods Ltd, Chief Paul Santus Ofana, described the successful export as a landmark achievement for the company and a proud moment for the people of Ogoja, Cross River State and Nigeria.
According to him, the company’s entry into one of the world’s most competitive consumer markets demonstrates the potential of Nigerian agricultural products when processed to international standards.
Chief Ofana said the response from consumers in the UK has been encouraging, particularly for the company’s unripe plantain flour, which is gaining popularity among health-conscious buyers.
> “At Dulwich Hospital in South East London, our unripe plantain flour is already in high demand because of its recognised health benefits. It is particularly sought after by elderly people and others managing high blood pressure, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, indigestion and weight management. The market here is responding very positively to our Ogoja unripe plantain flour,” he said.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining high production standards while expanding access to nutritious food products from Ogoja to international markets.
Boost for Nigeria’s Non-Oil Export Drive
Industry analysts say Santuscom Foods’ successful entry into the UK market underscores Nigeria’s growing capacity to add value to agricultural produce and compete globally.
The development aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to diversify the economy, reduce dependence on crude oil and increase non-oil exports as a sustainable source of foreign exchange earnings.
The export of processed products such as garri, yam pando, plantain flour, palm oil and honey beans also highlights the economic benefits of strengthening local agricultural value chains. Increased exports are expected to stimulate farming, processing, packaging, transportation and logistics while creating employment opportunities across the value chain.
Economists note that sustained growth in non-oil exports can improve foreign exchange inflows, strengthen Nigeria’s export base and support long-term economic stability.
Opportunities for Cross River State
The breakthrough is expected to create new opportunities for farmers and agro-processors in Cross River State by increasing demand for locally sourced agricultural produce.
Analysts believe higher export volumes could attract investment into agro-processing, create jobs for youths and women, improve rural incomes and position Cross River as one of Nigeria’s leading agro-export hubs.
Ogoja, known for its fertile land and production of cassava, yam, plantain and palm produce, is considered well-positioned to become a major centre for value-added food processing serving both domestic and international markets.
Calls for Greater Support
Stakeholders have called for improved access to affordable financing through institutions such as the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank to enable more indigenous companies to compete globally.
They also advocated faster product certification, improved transport infrastructure, efficient port operations and export-friendly policies to strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade.
In addition, experts urged Cross River State to invest in agro-processing facilities, road infrastructure, electricity supply, storage systems and logistics to maximise the state’s agricultural potential.
AfCFTA Opens New Markets
Industry observers say the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents another opportunity for Santuscom Foods to expand beyond Europe into Africa’s integrated market of more than 1.3 billion people.
They noted that the company’s success in the United Kingdom could serve as a springboard for expansion into other international markets, including continental Europe and North America, where demand for authentic African food products continues to grow.
The successful UK debut of Santuscom Foods is widely seen as more than the international launch of a Nigerian food brand. It represents the growing potential of indigenous enterprises to compete globally through quality production, value addition and innovation while contributing to Nigeria’s economic diversification, job creation and increased non-oil export earnings.
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