In a bid to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector, the federal government has partnered with Brazil under a $2.5 billion bilateral agreement to establish a large-scale modern ranch in Niger State.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, disclosed this during a site inspection tour in Minna alongside a delegation of Brazilian investors.

The landmark agreement was signed on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil last year, where President Bola Tinubu led the Nigerian delegation. This marks the second visit by Brazilian investors to Niger State as both parties work towards project realization.

Under the arrangement, the Niger State government is expected to allocate 1.2 million hectares of land for the initiative. Minister Maiha expressed optimism that the partnership would enhance livestock genetics and boost the country’s meat processing industry.

“As part of our strategy, we have engaged pastoralist organizations and remain open to collaborations with subnational governments to ensure this project succeeds,” Maiha stated.

Addressing potential concerns, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, represented by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, assured investors of adequate security and a conducive environment for business operations.

Speaking on behalf of the investors, Fabio Maia, Director of International Expansion at a leading Brazilian firm, noted that the companies would conduct further site evaluations before proceeding with the next phase.

The delegation visited key locations, including the designated meat processing zone at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna and the Tagwai Dam, among other facilities critical to the project’s success.