Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has revealed plans to establish ranching facilities to improve meat processing in the state.
The governor shared this during a meeting with the Head of International Projects of SEMMARIS, Timothee Witkowski, and the Regional Agriculture Counsellor of the French Embassy, Sonia Darraco, who visited him in Abeokuta on Monday.
According to Abiodun, the ranches will allow the government to rear, fatten, slaughter, and process meat in a hygienic manner suitable for human consumption.
“We have an immediate plan to set up ranching facilities in Ogun State where we will rear cattle, fatten them, slaughter, and process them properly,” he stated.
He added that pig farming would also be introduced, while existing poultry farms would be better organised.
The governor noted that around 9,000 to 10,000 cattle are slaughtered daily at Kara Cattle Market for Lagos markets, but in conditions that are not hygienic enough for human consumption.
Abiodun commended SEMMARIS for its role in agriculture, food distribution, and logistics, praising the company’s Rungis Farmers’ Market for ensuring food availability at affordable prices in France.
He described the company’s arrival in Ogun as a game changer that would create opportunities for the state and the southwest region.
Ogun, he highlighted, has an extensive road network connecting it to all parts of the country, as well as large deposits of limestone and fertile land suitable for crops such as cocoa, palm oil, and cotton.
Abiodun also noted that the meeting followed up on discussions he had in France, emphasising the strong business ties between Nigeria and France. He added that President Bola Tinubu is keenly interested in the project’s outcome.
He assured that his administration would provide necessary support and incentives to facilitate the company’s establishment in Ogun, helping farmers with extension services and acting as an off-taker for their produce.
In his remarks, Witkowski said his mission in Ogun is to be a strategic partner in modernising agriculture and providing technical services.
“Starting with Ogun State is a good idea due to its potential and strategic location. There is a lot of land available, and the state government has a strong vision for the region,” he said.
He added that the project, once operational, would create jobs, ensure food security, and enhance the agricultural value chain.
Regional Agriculture Counsellor Sonia Darraco noted that her team is conducting a feasibility study to explore investment opportunities, assuring that France is ready to support the company’s mission.
