Ogun to establish ranches for meat processing

Ogun State is taking strategic steps to modernize its livestock industry with plans to establish ranching facilities aimed at improving meat processing and ensuring food safety. Governor Dapo Abiodun announced this initiative during a meeting with SEMMARIS, a French agribusiness firm, and Sonia Darraco, Regional Agriculture Counsellor of the French Embassy, at his office in Abeokuta.

The initiative is expected to address the haphazard and unhygienic slaughtering processes currently observed at the Kara Cattle Market, where an estimated 9,000 to 10,000 cattle are slaughtered daily to meet the meat demand in Lagos. With the new ranching facilities, the state government aims to rear, fatten, slaughter, and process cattle and other livestock in a structured, hygienic, and efficient manner.

Governor Abiodun also revealed plans to expand into piggery and improve poultry production, further solidifying Ogun’s role as a major agribusiness hub. He highlighted the state’s strategic location, robust road network, and fertile land as key advantages for agribusiness investments.

SEMMARIS, known for managing Rungis Farmers’ Market—the world’s largest fresh food market in France—expressed commitment to modernizing Ogun’s agricultural sector. The company’s involvement is expected to provide technical expertise, enhance logistics, improve food distribution, and support local farmers through extension services and guaranteed off-taking agreements.

French representatives confirmed their intention to conduct a feasibility study to identify business opportunities in the state. If successfully implemented, the partnership will enhance food security, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
Source- Punch

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The planned ranching facilities in Ogun State have far-reaching benefits for various stakeholders in Nigeria’s livestock and agribusiness sectors. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Improved Food Safety & Quality Assurance:
(a). The current informal slaughtering practices pose serious food safety risks. A regulated ranching and processing system will minimize contamination, ensure proper meat handling, and improve consumer health outcomes.
(b). Modern cold chain storage and value-added processing will extend shelf life and reduce food wastage.
2. Strengthening Nigeria’s Livestock Sector:
(a). The fattening and structured rearing of cattle will increase meat yields and improve the quality of beef, pork, and poultry products.
(b). Investing in piggery and poultry farming will diversify Ogun’s livestock portfolio, reducing reliance on imported meat products.
3. Economic Growth & Job Creation:
(a). The integration of ranching into Ogun’s agribusiness industrial hubs will generate direct employment for farmworkers, veterinarians, butchers, and logistics operators.
(b). Expansion into agricultural extension services will provide farmers with training in modern livestock management techniques.
4. Attracting Foreign Investments & Strengthening Trade Relations:
(a). The SEMMARIS partnership positions Ogun State as a key player in Nigeria’s agribusiness transformation, potentially attracting more international investments.
(b). Ogun’s proximity to Lagos gives it a competitive edge in supplying processed meat to Nigeria’s largest consumer market.
5. Policy & Regulatory Considerations
(a). State and federal government support will be crucial for ensuring smooth implementation, including land allocation, infrastructure development, and incentives for investors.
(b). Strict compliance with international food safety standards will enhance Ogun’s chances of exporting processed meat to global markets.

Ogun State’s ranching and meat processing initiative is a game-changer for Nigeria’s livestock sector. By shifting from traditional open grazing and informal slaughtering to a modern, tech-driven system, the state will enhance food safety, improve meat quality, create jobs, and attract more investments. If well-executed, this initiative could serve as a blueprint for other states looking to transform their livestock value chains.