Government, FAO collaborate to boost beef production value chain in Lagos state
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As part of efforts to ensure sustainable beef production for the expanding population in the state, the Lagos state government, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is establishing a cattle feedlot farm estate.
With a highly urban population reputed to be the largest in any metropolitan city in Africa and a vibrant economy, the government, at the inception workshop held in Ikeja on 9th June 2023, said that with the private sector in the lead, the feedlot project will also facilitate beef traceability among many other health benefits, generate income for investors, create jobs and stimulate economic activities within the project community.
The Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Agriculture, Olatokumbo Emokpae, said the deficit in the supply and the business opportunities due to the ever-expanding population is an advantage that should be explored. “Lagos State, with a human population of over 24 million, currently requires a total of 1.4 million head of cattle valued at over N490bn annually while local production from existing feedlots in the state is presently 12,000 head of cattle.”
“In view of the economic potential of cattle production and the need to enhance the supply of wholesome beef in Lagos and contribute to the attainment of the state’s food security agenda, the administration under the current Lagos state government commenced work on the establishment of a cattle feedlot project” Emokpae noted.
As this ambitious project seeks to harness the state's ever-growing demand for animal-sourced protein, ultimately enhancing the livestock business landscape and successfully executing the boost of the value of the Lagos beef sector, estimated at 250 billion Naira annually, and supporting sustainable local employment opportunities, the week-long mission successfully implemented critical bilateral meetings with key Lagos State government officials in livestock/veterinary services and an inception workshop aimed at sensitizing stakeholders, clarifying the scope and project objectives, and cultivating a shared understanding of the project.
FAO pledges sustained support to the government
The FAO Representative to Nigeria, Fred Kafeero, said, “FAO will provide in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner a range of managerial and technical advisory services through a combination of FAO field experts, analytical capcities and global knowledge products on the subject”.
To enhance the local beef production in Lagos State, the State Government sought FAO's technical support to rejuvenate a decade-old proposal to establish a Lagos cattle feedlot farm estate in 2022. With this, the feedlot project was initiated to envision a private sector-led initiative that involves allocating land for small, medium, and large feedlot operations while offering common infrastructure and sanitary services on a cost-recovery basis. As a result, the workshop commenced the project implementation to improve the feasibility and value chain analysis of Lagos state’s cattle feedlot farm estate. The event facilitated a thorough discussion of the project's objectives, anticipated results, outputs, and activities.
The FAO and Lagos State governments remain dedicated to advancing the livestock industry, ensuring the state becomes self-sufficient in meat production, and enhancing the state’s economic stability. The project represents a pivotal moment in the enduring commitment of the partners to sustainable development and food security. By aligning with the state government, private sectors, and key stakeholders, the FAO hopes to deliver a holistic and sustainable solution to Lagos's pressing cattle supply challenges, upgrading the state's livestock sector and reinforcing food security.
Contact below for more details
David Tsokar Uloma MezieOsuocha
Communication Specialist Communication for Development