Mukhtar courts global investors on red meat value chain expansion

Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, on Monday, hosted a delegation from Omrantech Trading Company of Saudi Arabia and Baba Frayo Investment Ltd to explore investment and offtake opportunities in Nigeria’s red meat and broader agricultural value chain.

The engagement focused on strengthening strategic partnerships across production, processing, logistics, and export infrastructure.

Maiha said Nigeria is positioning its livestock sector for large scale transformation into a globally competitive industry, anchored on modernization and private sector participation.

He noted that the sector currently has an estimated value of over 32 billion dollars, with projections to reach about 74 billion dollars within the next decade if reforms are sustained.

According to him, the government’s strategy targets improvements across animal genetics, feed systems, veterinary services, disease control, processing capacity, cold chain logistics, and export readiness.

Maiha said Nigeria’s livestock sector holds strong comparative advantages, including large domestic consumption, cost competitive production, and geographic proximity to Gulf markets.

He added that with a population exceeding 235 million, Nigeria offers both a robust internal market and a strategic gateway for regional and international trade.

He also emphasized rising global demand for red meat, particularly in the Middle East, noting that Nigeria is well placed to supply these markets due to shorter logistics timelines compared to traditional exporters.

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The minister assured investors of government support through policy clarity, improved access to land, and a more predictable regulatory environment.

He said these measures are intended to reduce barriers and improve investor confidence across the agricultural value chain.

The discussions also covered opportunities in feed and fodder production, veterinary pharmaceuticals, leather processing, and livestock infrastructure development, alongside broader concerns around food security and supply chain resilience.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Ali Fahd Ajouf, Chairman, Omrantech Trading Company, described Nigeria as a strategic entry point for agricultural investment in Africa.

He said the scale of opportunity, combined with Government commitment, makes Nigeria an attractive destination for long term investment.

Ajouf added that the delegation looks forward to returning with concrete proposals following further feasibility assessments.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of strengthening Global South cooperation in food security and sustainable agricultural trade.

The delegation is expected to return after completing additional technical and investment evaluations.

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.