Abia State, Barn Holdings Partner on Multi-Billion Naira Livestock Project

News in Brief:

-Governor Alex Otti says the Abia–Barn Holdings livestock project will create over 20,000 jobs, boost food production, and modernise livestock management.

-The project will establish ranches, feedlots, and a dairy facility in Okoko Item and Umunneochi LGAs under a PPP model valued in billions of naira.

The Abia State Government has announced plans to partner with Barn Holdings Group, a leading agribusiness conglomerate, to establish a large-scale livestock and dairy project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

Governor Alex Otti said the initiative aims to generate thousands of jobs, enhance food security, and position Abia as a model for modern livestock development in Nigeria.

“Agriculture remains the foundation of sustainable development, and this project represents a major step towards agricultural transformation and job creation in our state,” Otti said.

Project to Operate Under the PPP Model

According to the governor, participating parties will jointly develop and fund the scheme. The state government will provide land and policy support while the private partner will handle financing, technology, and operations.

Immediately after the project presentation, Otti inaugurated a five-member technical committee to collaborate with the company in designing the project’s framework, conducting site assessments, and financing structure.

“The devil is always in the details. We must dot all the i’s and cross the t’s before moving to the site as quickly as possible,” Otti emphasised.

Project Locations and Expansion Plan

Governor Otti revealed that the proposed sites for the livestock project include Okoko Item in Bende LGA and Umunneochi LGA, adding that both areas offer vast land suitable for large-scale ranching.

He expressed a preference for expansion within the same location for operational efficiency, but said relocation would be considered if accessibility becomes an issue.

The Governor reiterated that the project aligns with his administration’s drive for modern livestock management and ranching, stressing that open grazing is no longer sustainable in Nigeria.

The PPP initiative is expected to create over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, while improving the state’s self-sufficiency in beef and dairy production.

“This partnership will transform livestock production, create employment, and contribute to food security in Abia,” Otti said.

Barn Holdings Pledges Technology and Training Support

Chief Executive Officer of Barn Holdings Group, Engr. Tony Jibuno, said the company is committed to building a multi-billion-naira livestock and dairy hub that will serve as a regional model for modern agriculture.

He noted that the project would revitalise the Okoko Livestock Farm, develop a feedlot and abattoir in Umunneochi, and establish a disease-control and livestock traceability hub for cattle entering Abia State.

“The Abia project will create over 20,000 jobs, produce 2,000 tonnes of beef annually, and reduce import dependence,” Jibuno explained.

He added that the facility would also function as a demonstration and training centre to equip local farmers with practical skills in livestock management, feed formulation, and agribusiness operations.