In a major step toward transforming livestock production in Southeast Nigeria, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has renewed his administration’s commitment to the establishment of a state-of-the-art dairy farm in partnership with Blue Ribbon Limited. The project, estimated to cost several million dollars, is expected to elevate Abia into a key player in Nigeria’s dairy industry.

Governor Otti made this pledge during a recent meeting with Blue Ribbon’s Chief Executive Officer, Sir Idris Wabara, and his team at the Government House in Umuahia. The delegation was in the state to deliver an update on the project’s progress since it was first proposed in 2024.

The proposed facility aims to strengthen local dairy value chains, enhance milk production, and boost Nigeria’s livestock investment portfolio. Governor Otti underscored the need to move beyond the planning phase and establish clear implementation timelines to fast-track project commencement.

“We were not expecting the project to remain in the planning stage a year after initial discussions,” he noted. “However, it’s encouraging to see the level of detail and commitment. What we need now is a clear timeline for execution.”

The governor encouraged the company to consider bridging initial financial gaps through domestic lending sources while awaiting long-term funding approvals from global financial institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Afreximbank. This, he emphasized, would prevent delays and mitigate rising implementation costs caused by inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.

Sir Wabara disclosed that significant groundwork has already been done. The company engaged a team of seasoned Israeli experts who have completed feasibility assessments and designed a master plan. The data is now undergoing further analysis by PwC in Lagos, ahead of submission to international financiers.

He also shared that the groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to take place before the end of 2025, signaling a tangible start to what he described as a “game-changing livestock project” for Abia and Nigeria at large.

“With the governor’s unwavering support, we are confident that this initiative will redefine livestock development in the region and set a benchmark for dairy farming in West Africa,” Wabara said.

Present at the strategic meeting were Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, Abia’s Commissioner for Agriculture; Mr. Chinedum Chijioke, Director-General of the Public Private Partnership and Investment Promotion Office; and Mr. Chinenye Alajemba, Special Adviser on Homeland Security.