The Kwara State Government is seeking private-sector investment to expand livestock production, strengthen the dairy industry and improve the economic fortunes of farmers across the state.

The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, disclosed this on Thursday following a meeting with representatives of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, one of Nigeria’s major dairy and food companies, to explore potential areas of collaboration in agriculture and livestock development.

Thomas said the discussions focused on attracting private investment, boosting local production and establishing stronger livestock and dairy value chains through partnerships that would create economic opportunities for farmers and other industry players.

She noted that collaboration with the company could expose local livestock farmers to improved farming techniques, modern agricultural technologies and better production methods, while enabling them to participate more actively in the dairy industry.

The commissioner added that increased private-sector involvement could stimulate the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises, create employment and improve household incomes through stronger links between farmers and commercial operators.

She emphasised the importance of involving local farmers and other stakeholders in developing the sector to ensure that the gains from agricultural investments reach communities at the grassroots.

According to Thomas, sustainable economic development would require more than government intervention, stressing that partnerships with established private organisations were necessary to attract capital, technical expertise and innovative solutions.

She explained that the meeting also provided an opportunity to identify practical responses to existing challenges in the agricultural sector and discuss ways of creating a favourable business environment for investors seeking to establish or expand operations in Kwara.

Thomas maintained that the state possessed considerable potential for growth in livestock production and agriculture, adding that strategic investments, supportive policies and effective partnerships could significantly improve its productive capacity.

While expressing optimism about the prospects of the engagement with FrieslandCampina WAMCO, she acknowledged that further discussions would be necessary to translate the initial talks into specific investment and development projects.

The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to expanding livestock production, supporting farmers, attracting private investment and positioning the sector as a driver of economic growth in Kwara State.