Livestock Ministry Backs Greenfield Feedlots’ Zero-Waste Livestock Investment Drive

"In the livestock sector, nothing is wasted. Faeces, horns, bones, blood, hides, skins, and other by-products all have economic value and can be processed into useful products." Minister, Livestock Development Ministry.

The Federal Government has pledged support for a major private-sector initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock industry through modern processing, job creation, food security enhancement, and the development of a zero-waste livestock economy.

The commitment was made by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from Greenfield Feedlots and Packaging Company, led by Ahmed Al-Mustapha, OFR, to the ministry in Abuja.

Speaking during the meeting, Maiha reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with investors capable of unlocking the vast economic potential embedded across the livestock value chain, describing the sector as one where virtually every component of an animal can be converted into wealth.

According to the Minister, by-products such as faeces, horns, bones, blood, hides and skins possess significant commercial value and can be processed into a wide range of products, making livestock development a critical driver of economic growth and industrial expansion.

“In the livestock sector, nothing is wasted. Faeces, horns, bones, blood, hides, skins and other by-products all have economic value and can be processed into useful products,” he said.

Maiha cited the success story of Brazilian meat giant JBS as a model for Nigeria, noting that the company evolved from a modest meat-processing business into one of the world’s largest meat producers with annual revenues of about $74 billion.

“JBS today generates about 74 billion dollars annually. Their success story demonstrates the enormous opportunities that exist within the livestock value chain. They started small, with a vision, and today they are a global leader in red meat production,” he stated.

The Minister stressed that significant opportunities remain untapped across Nigeria’s livestock ecosystem and assured the company of the ministry’s willingness to explore areas of partnership and support.

“There are enormous opportunities across the livestock value chain. A detailed presentation will enable us to understand what you can do, what support you require, and where strategic partnerships can be established for mutual benefit,” he added.

Earlier, Secretary of the delegation, Ibrahim Danbauchi, said the visit was aimed at introducing Greenfield Feedlots and Packaging Company to the ministry and seeking collaboration on the establishment of a modern livestock processing and packaging enterprise.

Danbauchi said the proposed project would contribute significantly to employment generation, government revenue growth, environmental sustainability, and the strengthening of Nigeria’s livestock value chain.

He disclosed that the company was seeking strategic partnership, policy support, accelerated regulatory approvals, and assistance in connecting with international technical and financial partners to facilitate the project’s implementation.

According to him, the initiative is designed around a zero-waste production model that will maximise value from livestock resources while positioning Nigeria to take advantage of the rapidly expanding global halal meat market.

Industry stakeholders say the project aligns with the Federal Government’s broader agenda of modernising the livestock sector, boosting domestic production, attracting investment, and creating sustainable jobs across rural and urban communities.

The meeting was attended by directors, deputy directors, the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister, and other senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.