ASHENEWS reports that the Niger State Government has pledged 1.2 million hectares of land to the federal government for pasture production, ranching, and livestock farming.
The government’s pledge comes after the federal government signed a deal with JBS, the world’s largest beef exporter.
President Bola Tinubu secured the $2.5 billion livestock investment during the G20 Summit in Brazil in a bid to boost food security and economic growth.
Drawing from Brazil’s globally acclaimed agricultural model, the project aims to transform Niger State, home to Nigeria’s largest livestock population, into a hub of sustainable agricultural innovation.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, President Tinubu highlighted the partnership’s potential to combat hunger and stimulate economic development.
“This collaboration symbolizes a new dawn for Nigeria’s agriculture. With Niger State’s commitment and Brazil’s expertise, we are creating opportunities and strengthening our food systems,” he said.
On his part, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago noted that the project will among other benefits, create one million jobs.
This is in addition to facilitating the construction of 100,000 farm estate homes, and the establishment of 100 agricultural facilities.
Bago stressed that infrastructure projects such as the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which runs through Niger State, will be critical to the project’s success.
ASHENEWS gathered that the project incorporates a synergy with Nigeria’s sugar industry, utilizing sugarcane byproducts as livestock feed, further enhancing efficiency across sectors.
