Otti set to revive state’s moribund poultry farm

In a bid to rejuvenate Abia State’s poultry industry and stimulate economic growth, Governor Alex Otti has engaged an Israeli agribusiness investment firm, AgroTop Israel, to explore the revival of the Ogwe Golden Chicken Poultry Farm in Ukwa West LGA. This initiative aims to reposition Abia as a key player in Nigeria’s poultry value chain, providing employment opportunities and boosting food security.

According to the Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku, Governor Otti discussed a potential concession agreement with AgroTop Israel, which boasts a presence in over 50 countries. The delegation, led by Business Development Manager Mr. Ofer Zuntz, was accompanied by local partners Max Agro Farm, an Aba-based agribusiness enterprise.

Otti emphasized that poultry farming is a core component of his administration’s agricultural strategy, aimed at improving livelihoods through enhanced food production and agribusiness investments. The government is evaluating AgroTop Israel’s business performance to determine concession viability, ensuring that any partnership yields long-term benefits for the state’s economy.

Mr. Ejike Nwankwo, Founding Director of Max Agro Farms, highlighted his company’s existing collaboration with AgroTop Israel in delivering agricultural solutions. The meeting also had in attendance key government officials, including Dr. Cliff Agbaeze (Commissioner for Agriculture), Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu (Chief Strategy Officer), and Mr. Chinedu Chijioke (DG, Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion Office).
Source- Guardian

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The proposed revitalization of Ogwe Golden Chicken Poultry Farm presents significant opportunities for Abia State, particularly in job creation, local poultry production, and value chain development. However, to ensure sustainability and maximum impact, stakeholders should consider the following:

1. Concession Model & Investment Structure
   It is critical that the concession terms are transparent and structured to favor long-term growth. The state government should negotiate an arrangement that ensures technological transfer, capacity building, and local ownership integration.
2. Market Linkages & Supply Chain Efficiency
   Poultry production is highly dependent on stable feed supply and market access. Strengthening linkages between poultry feed producers, processors, and off-takers will be essential to prevent supply chain disruptions.
3. Biosecurity & Disease Control Measures
   Given Nigeria’s vulnerability to poultry diseases like Avian Influenza, introducing advanced biosecurity measures as part of the farm’s revival is crucial. AgroTop Israel’s expertise in precision livestock farming could help improve disease management and productivity.
4. Integration of Local Farmers
   To maximize the farm’s impact, local poultry farmers should be integrated into the project through an out-grower scheme. This would ensure wider economic benefits beyond government-controlled operations.
5. Sustainability & Export Potential
   With strategic investments, the farm can scale beyond local consumption and position itself for exports, especially with Nigeria’s growing poultry market in West Africa. A focus on value-added poultry processing (e.g., frozen chicken, processed eggs) can increase profitability.
6. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Framework
   The success of this project will depend on a robust PPP framework, ensuring clear roles for AgroTop Israel, Max Agro Farm, and the Abia State Government. Regular performance assessments and impact evaluations should be part of the concession terms.

By implementing these strategic measures, Abia can transform the Ogwe Golden Chicken Poultry Farm into a major agribusiness hub, enhancing food security and economic resilience in the region.