Nigeria’s livestock sector is entering a transformative era as the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) Plc, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, unveils a new Feedlot Management Training Program. The initiative is strategically designed to strengthen the country’s capacity to produce export-quality beef and meet rising global demand.

This development comes on the heels of a landmark $2.5 billion Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) agreement between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and international meat processing giant, JBS. Under the agreement, six modern meat processing facilities will be constructed across Nigeria, with two exclusively focused on beef processing.

Training to Modernize Nigeria’s Livestock Value Chain

The pilot phase of the program recently kicked off in Abuja, attracting participants from across the livestock ecosystem. Stakeholders in attendance included representatives from the Ministry of Livestock Development, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), National Association of Cattle Dealers, Processors & Marketers of Nigeria (NACDPMAN), Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN), and private sector players such as Maidoki Farms Ltd.

NIRSAL’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Sa’ad Hamidu, emphasized that the training goes beyond routine knowledge-sharing.

“This is not just another workshop. It is a targeted intervention focused on building bankable agribusinesses. We are preparing Nigerian livestock producers not only to feed the country, but to compete on a global scale,” he stated.

Key Objectives of the Feedlot Training Program

The training addresses critical gaps within the livestock value chain, such as:

• Enhancing feed formulation and nutrition strategies
• Minimizing input waste and feed inefficiencies
• Improving cattle finishing systems for premium-grade beef
• Building capacity for agribusiness profitability and export readiness

This initiative also aligns with Nigeria’s goal of achieving an agriculturally empowered and export-oriented economy, positioning the livestock sector as a major contributor to GDP and rural employment.

Industry Endorsement and Nationwide Appeal

Participants have commended the program’s relevance and impact. Shekamang Ayuba, Director of Ranch and Pastoral Resources at the Ministry of Livestock Development, described the training as:

“Eye-opening and timely. This is the kind of intervention we need across the country to raise standards and make Nigeria a meat-exporting powerhouse.”

Why This Matters

With local companies like ABIS Group also investing heavily in livestock value chain development, Nigeria is witnessing a growing interest in high-value meat production. The new feedlot training program arrives at a crucial time—when demand for quality livestock feedstock is soaring due to new processing infrastructure and export potential.

By combining technical training, public-private partnerships, and risk-sharing incentives for financial institutions, NIRSAL is laying the groundwork for a modern, competitive, and sustainable beef industry in Nigeria.