FG to partner Brazilian firm to establish 100,000-hectare ranch in Niger State 

The Minister of Livestock Development, Malam Idi Mukhtar, disclosed this during a visit to Governor Umaru Bago in Minna on Monday, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Mukhtar revealed that the ranch, part of a $2.5 billion livestock investment agreement with JBJ Brazil, was strategically planned to leverage Niger State’s vast resources, including its abundance of water and favorable climate.

The Niger State Government has pledged 1.2 million hectares of land to support the Federal Government’s livestock development initiative, with 100,000 hectares earmarked for the ranch.

“The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a large-scale cattle ranch in Niger State, in partnership with JBJ Brazil, the world’s largest cattle rancher. 

“The Minister of Livestock Development, Malam Idi Mukhtar, made the announcement during a visit to Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger in Minna on Monday, where he was accompanied by a team from JBJ Brazil,” the NAN report read in part.

It added, “The minister revealed that the proposed ranch would span 100,000 hectares of land and house 100,000 bulls” 

Mukhtar further highlighted that financial negotiations with the Brazilian firm and other investors are still ongoing.

Governor Bago, represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, expressed optimism about the initiative, citing Niger State’s comparative advantage in natural resources and the government’s dedication to livestock development.

This project is expected to boost local meat production, create jobs, and stimulate economic activities in Niger State.

This move reflects JBS’s strategy to expand into Africa’s emerging markets, with Nigeria’s large population and economic potential positioning it as a pivotal growth market.