- The Story
NAB Group embarked on an ambitious project to transform Nigeria’s rice industry by integrating advanced production systems, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge engineering solutions. Leveraging its expertise in mechanical, manufacturing, and production engineering, NAB Group seamlessly executed a large-scale integration of multiple rice milling and processing units. The goal was to enhance operational efficiency, improve product quality, and close the significant demand-supply gap in Nigeria’s rice market.
Today, NAB Group stands as a leading force in the Nigerian agricultural sector, delivering premium-quality parboiled rice, empowering local farmers, and championing sustainability across its value chain. This case study highlights NAB’s strategic approach and the remarkable outcomes of its comprehensive rice project integration.
Mapping Out a Complex Agricultural Integration
NAB Group initiated its rice transformation strategy by consolidating operations across multiple milling sites and supply chains in Nigeria. The project aimed to bridge the 1.8 million metric ton production shortfall in Nigeria’s rice market and reduce the country’s dependency on imports.
Key Initiatives:
NAB streamlined operations at its state-of-the-art milling facilities to maximize output and minimize waste. The company introduced advanced paddy cleaning, husking, and polishing technologies to ensure consistent quality.
The integration of modern equipment—such as the DTA Super Slow Speed Bucket Elevator and MNSW Emery Roll Rice Mill—reduced grain breakage, increased output, and improved energy efficiency.
NAB implemented innovative processes, including the use of puffing powder and glutinous rice technologies, enhancing the nutritional profile and versatility of its rice products.
Unlocking Value and Achieving Synergies
By leveraging its extensive technical expertise, NAB Group identified multiple areas to unlock value and achieve operational synergies:
• Overhead Reduction: Eliminated redundant roles, centralized administrative functions, and optimized real estate use across facilities.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Streamlined logistics and warehousing, reducing transport costs and improving inventory management. The integration of advanced color sorters and polishing machines ensured superior product quality.
• Sustainability and Eco-Coalition: NAB’s commitment to sustainability involved the use of renewable energy, water-saving technologies, and partnerships with local farmers practicing sustainable agriculture. Packaging was transitioned to eco-friendly, recycled materials.
• Financial Impact: NAB identified cumulative savings in the range of hundreds of millions of naira, which were reinvested into expanding production capacity and scaling operations.
A Closer Look at Technology Consolidation
One critical aspect of NAB’s transformation was the consolidation of its IT and operational systems. Prior to the project, the lack of integration between production facilities and supply chain management tools hampered efficiency.
NAB established an Integration Management Office (IMO) to oversee the deployment of a unified IT infrastructure. This included implementing data-driven monitoring systems to track production efficiency, quality control, and supply chain performance in real time.
The consolidation led to:
• A unified global IT model that facilitated centralized data analytics.
• The establishment of regional and global Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to oversee operational and technological strategy.
• Significant improvements in system performance, transparency, and decision-making capabilities.
The Power of Scale in Agribusiness
Over a three-year period, NAB Group’s strategic project spanned from conceptual design through to post-integration optimization. Through meticulous planning and execution, NAB achieved its synergy savings target—delivering production efficiencies equivalent to a 15% increase in output and a 10% reduction in operational costs.
Key Outcomes:
• Enhanced Capacity: NAB’s expanded processing capabilities now allow it to meet over 85% of Nigeria’s rice demand.
• Empowered Farmers: NAB’s partnership with local farmers has resulted in improved yields, fair trade practices, and better livelihoods for rural communities.
• Sustainability Leadership: NAB’s eco-coalition model has positioned it as an industry leader in environmentally responsible rice production.
Today, NAB Group is recognized as a transformative force in Nigeria’s rice industry—leading the way with innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
