The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has expressed its readiness to partner with Greenfield Feedlots and Packaging Company to drive livestock production, create jobs, enhance food security, and promote a zero-slaughter-waste economy in Nigeria.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, gave the assurance when he received a delegation from Greenfield Feedlots and Packaging Company, led by Ahmed Al-Mustapha, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja on Wednesday.
Commending the team for bringing together experienced professionals, technical experts, and visionary investors, the Minister emphasised the immense economic potential of the livestock industry, noting that virtually every component of an animal can be utilised for productive purposes.
“In the livestock sector, nothing is wasted. Faeces, horns, bones, blood, hides, skins, and other by-products all have economic value and can be processed into useful products,” he stated.
Drawing lessons from global industry leaders, Maiha cited the remarkable growth of JBS in Brazil, which began as a modest meat-processing enterprise and has grown into one of the world’s largest meat companies.
He said: “JBS today generates about 74 billion dollars annually. Their success story demonstrates the enormous opportunities that exist within the livestock value chain. They started small, with a vision, and today they are a global leader in red meat production.
“There are enormous opportunities across the livestock value chain. A detailed presentation will enable us to understand what you can do, what support you require, and where strategic partnerships can be established for mutual benefit.”
Earlier, the Secretary of the delegation, Ibrahim Danbauchi, said the visit was aimed at introducing the company to the Ministry and exploring opportunities for collaboration in developing a modern livestock processing and packaging enterprise capable of generating revenue and creating employment opportunities.
Danbauchi outlined the company’s requests, which includes strategic partnership, policy support, expedited approvals, and assistance in connecting with international technical and financial partners.
According to him, the proposed project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, increase government revenue through taxation, promote environmental sustainability through a zero-waste model, strengthen Nigeria’s livestock value chain, and position the country to tap into the rapidly expanding global halal meat market.
The meeting was attended by Directors, Deputy Directors, Senior Special Assistants to the Minister and other senior officials of the Ministry.
