Food processors in Niger State participating in the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) have been warned not to attempt fixing broken equipment without expert help. The caution came during a six-day training on Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Committees held in Bida and Edati Local Government Areas. Facilitators Engr. Daniel Shaba and Engr. Jerry Ikuenisafun emphasized that only qualified personnel should handle technical repairs. They urged prompt reporting of faults to prevent further damage and cut long-term costs. Shaba highlighted preventive maintenance—such as routine checks, cleaning, and replacing worn parts—as key to extending machine life. "Neglect often leads to costly corrective maintenance," he said. Ikuenisafun added that improper cleaning of raw materials, particularly paddy rice containing stones or metal, risks damaging machinery and lowering output quality. The training aimed to boost operational standards and tackle recurring maintenance issues. Kolo Joy Teni, Niger State VCDP Assistant Agricultural Processing and Quality Enhancement Officer, said existing O&M Committees were strengthened and a new one established for Lavun LGA. Participants learned how to maintain processing centres, machines, roads, culverts, and boreholes to ensure sustainability. Rice and cassava processors, including Hauwawu Indagi and Mrs Patience Jeremiah, praised the training for improving product quality and market access.
Engr. Daniel Shaba's warning that neglect leads to costly repairs exposes a deeper issue—many processors are already operating on thin margins and can't afford downtime. If basic maintenance knowledge isn't paired with accessible technical support, even well-trained operators will resort to risky DIY fixes. This training helps, but without a reliable network of certified technicians within reach, sustainability remains fragile. For Niger State processors, a broken machine could mean lost income, not just a repair bill.
