In a landmark move to boost Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has announced a $100 million offtake agreement with the Saudi Export and Import Bank to supply livestock to the Middle East.
The deal, revealed during the FirstBank Agric and Export Expo 2025 in Lagos, marks a significant step toward positioning Niger State as a key player in the global protein supply chain.
The agreement, facilitated by the Nigerian Export and Import Bank (NEXIM), will commence with an initial $10 million tranche, with the potential to tap into a $2.5 billion annual market for meat and animal by-products in Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries.
Governor Bago emphasized the comprehensive nature of the deal, stating, “This is not just about meat. The tripe, blood, skin, hooves—every part of the animal has value. We’re building an entire ecosystem.”
Speaking at the expo, Bago highlighted the geopolitical and environmental disruptions in the Sahel and Sudan, which have increased demand for livestock in the Middle East, creating a strategic opportunity for Nigeria.
He underscored the importance of value addition in agriculture, warning that exporting raw commodities keeps nations “perpetually broke.” To this end, Niger State is shifting from supplying live animals to processing meat locally at facilities like Mokwa, ensuring frozen, packaged products meet international standards for markets in Lagos, Ogun, and beyond.
The agreement with Saudi Arabia is expected to create jobs, enhance local processing industries, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on oil revenue.
It also builds on Niger State’s ongoing livestock reforms, including the establishment of grazing reserves, vaccination campaigns, and measures to combat cattle rustling, which Bago has described as a growing threat to the sector.
As Niger State positions itself as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse, this deal signals a bold step toward economic diversification and global competitiveness.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users