In a groundbreaking move to enhance food safety and modernize livestock farming, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to establish state-of-the-art ranching facilities. The initiative aims to address the unsanitary and unregulated slaughtering methods currently prevalent in cattle markets, particularly at the Kara Cattle Market along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, where an estimated 9,000 to 10,000 cattle are processed daily.

During a high-level meeting at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun hosted key representatives from SEMMARIS, a French agro-logistics company renowned for managing the Rungis Farmers’ Market in France, the world’s largest fresh produce market. He engaged in discussions with Timothee Witkowski, SEMMARIS’ Head of International Projects, and Sonia Darraco, the French Embassy’s Regional Agriculture Counsellor, outlining his administration’s vision for livestock development in the state.

The governor revealed that the planned ranching facilities would not only focus on cattle but would also incorporate pig farming and improved poultry management. He emphasized that the initiative would ensure the hygienic rearing, fattening, slaughtering, and processing of meat, aligning with global safety standards. This approach is expected to transform Ogun State into a model for livestock farming, streamlining the meat supply chain while creating employment opportunities.

Governor Abiodun highlighted Ogun’s strategic advantages, including its vast arable land, extensive road network, and natural resources such as limestone deposits, which make it an ideal destination for agricultural investment. He stressed that his administration is committed to supporting local farmers by providing extension services and serving as an off-taker for agricultural produce.

In response, Witkowski acknowledged Ogun State’s potential and expressed SEMMARIS’ commitment to collaborating with the government in modernizing agricultural projects. He noted that the initiative would not only boost food security but also enhance the agricultural value chain through technical expertise and advanced processing techniques.

Darraco confirmed that SEMMARIS is currently conducting a feasibility study to assess investment opportunities in the state. She assured the governor that France is eager to support the project, further strengthening economic ties between the two nations.

This initiative represents a significant leap forward for Ogun State’s agricultural sector, promising to improve food safety, increase productivity, and drive economic growth. With strong backing from international partners and the Nigerian government, Ogun’s modern ranching project is poised to set a new standard for livestock management and meat processing in Nigeria.