Niger State to Deliver Processed Meat, Stop Supplying Live Cattle to Lagos, Ogun, Says Governor Bago
In a decisive policy shift aimed at modernizing the livestock sector, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has announced that the state will no longer supply live cattle directly to markets in Lagos and Ogun.
Moving forward, the state will process the meat locally and deliver frozen products to the Southwest, a move designed to boost value addition and economic returns for local farmers. The announcement was made during the FirstBank Agric and Export Expo 2025 held in Lagos.
Governor Bago explained that processing livestock within Niger State would enable farmers to retain a larger share of profits while enhancing the quality and safety of meat products delivered to consumers.
“This initiative is intended to empower our livestock farmers, promote local processing industries, and ensure a steady supply of high-quality meat to the Southwest,” he said.
Highlighting further initiatives to strengthen agricultural collaboration, Governor Bago revealed plans to expand land allocated for agricultural production to Lagos State from 20,000 hectares to 100,000 hectares.
The expansion, he noted, is aimed at increasing food production while fostering interstate cooperation in agriculture.
In a significant move to position Niger State in the global livestock market, Governor Bago also disclosed a $100 million offtake agreement with the Saudi Export and Import Bank for livestock exports to the Middle East.
The deal, which will begin with a $10 million first tranche, underscores the state’s commitment to transforming its livestock sector into a globally competitive enterprise.
The governor’s announcement has sparked widespread discussion across social media, with many praising the policy as a forward-thinking approach to value addition, industrial growth, and job creation.
However, some stakeholders have raised concerns over potential disruptions to existing supply chains in Lagos and Ogun, emphasizing the need for robust logistics and cold-chain infrastructure to ensure smooth implementation.
Agricultural experts have hailed the initiative as a potential blueprint for other livestock-producing states in Nigeria, pointing out that it could increase farmers’ income, reduce wastage, and promote export-oriented livestock production.
As the state prepares to implement these measures, attention will focus on how effectively the policy can balance local economic benefits with the demands of the Southwest market.
Governor Bago’s strategy represents a significant step toward modernizing Niger State’s livestock industry, enhancing local processing capacity, and promoting the state as a key player in both national and international meat supply chains.
