By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the world’s largest cattle ranchers, JBJ Brazil...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the world’s largest cattle ranchers, JBJ Brazil, is set to establish a large-scale ranch in Niger State to further boost livestock production in the country.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar, made this known when he led a delegation of investors from JBS and JBJ Companies of Brazil to the Government House in Minna.
He stated that the visit was part of efforts to fulfill the livestock production agreement with JBS, while JBJ is coming on board to establish a large-scale ranch.
According to the minister, Niger State was chosen due to its vast potential, including abundant water bodies and the commitment of the state government, which allocated 1.2 million hectares of land for the $2.5 billion livestock investment deal agreed upon with JBS last year.
Alhaji Mukhtar revealed that the visit by JBJ investors aimed to inspect potential sites across the state and determine the best location for the large-scale ranch. The facility is expected to cover 100,000 hectares and accommodate 100,000 bulls, with financial negotiations to be further discussed.
He emphasized that Niger State holds a comparative advantage over other states and assured that the federal government would collaborate with the state government to achieve self-sufficiency in dairy production.
In response, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed delight at the establishment of the first ranch in Niger State, highlighting its strategic advantage over other states.
He noted that livestock development in Nigeria has become crucial due to its economic value and extensive value chain.
Represented by his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, Governor Bago assured that Niger State is well-positioned to support the federal government’s livestock development initiative. He also pledged that the investment would be adequately secured to ensure its success.
Earlier, the Chairman of Niger Foods, Mr. Sammy Adigun, explained that the Brazilian companies JBS and JBJ are investing in Nigeria’s animal production and processing sector, with the federal government facilitating the process.
Speaking on behalf of the Brazilian delegation, Mr. Fabio Maia stated that their visit aimed to study and understand Niger State’s livestock capacity while exploring ways to enhance Nigeria’s food security and animal production system through modern technology.
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