Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has expressed optimism about the Federal Government’s livestock development project in collaboration with a Brazilian protein company.
According to the governor, the initiative will open new avenues for development in Niger State and beyond.
Bago stated this while hosting a delegation from the Brazilian firm during a fact-finding mission to livestock facilities in Minna, the state capital.
The delegation was led by the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi.
The governor noted that the project’s immense potential also has far-reaching value chain benefits, which span crop production and animal husbandry.
“It is heartwarming to have the world’s largest protein company, with such a huge turnover, visit Niger State for investment,” Bago said.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for selecting Niger State as the pilot for the $2.5 billion initiative.
On her part, Aisha Rimi lauded Niger State as the “food capital of the nation,” emphasizing its strategic importance to the livestock project.
She acknowledged the nation’s deficit in cattle, swine, poultry, and food production, stressing that the initiative would not only transform the livestock industry but also bolster food security across Africa.
A representative of the Brazilian firm, Fabio Maia equally described Nigerians as hardworking and resourceful.
He noted that the project would facilitate knowledge exchange while leveraging the country’s growing population and vast market potential.
During their visit, the team inspected several facilities, including Zaima Farms, Dogarawa Farms, Tagwai Dam, and Niger Foods Farm in Tagwai.
The team expressed satisfaction with the facilities and expressed confidence in the success of the project.
ASHENEWS recalls that the livestock initiative is part of a recently signed $2.5 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Government and the Brazilian firm to revitalize Nigeria’s livestock industry, with Niger State serving as the pilot state.
