Nigeria announces plan to launch US$2.5B meat processing plan with Chi Farms, global partners

NIGERIA – Chi Farms Nigeria Limited, in partnership with the Federal Government, is rolling out a livestock development project valued at US$2.5 billion (approx. ₦3.9 trillion), aimed at overhauling the country’s meat processing sector.

The announcement follows a recent inspection of Chi Farms’ integrated facility on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State by officials from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and JBS, a major Brazilian meat processing company.

The initiative is expected to result in the establishment of six processing factories across different regions, as part of a broader effort to strengthen the livestock supply chain and expand local production capacity.

Aisha Rimi, the Executive Secretary and CEO of the NIPC, led the delegation, which also included JBS’s Head of International Expansion Fabio Maia and livestock consultant Osorio Dal Bello.

During the visit, Chi Farms, a subsidiary of the Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, presented its vertically integrated operations that span poultry breeding, fish farming, and meat processing.

Executives from the TGI Group, including Managing Director Martin Middernacht and Executive Director Dr. Johannes Flosbach, welcomed the delegation and offered insights into the farm’s production systems.

Also present were the firm’s Director of Corporate Affairs Sadiq Kassim and Head of Corporate Communications Rafiat Gawat.

The farm serves as a regional partner for Big Dutchman, a global supplier of poultry equipment, and demonstrated its experience in developing large-scale poultry infrastructure in West Africa.

Dr. Flosbach noted that the success of the planned expansion hinges on access to reasonably priced capital that would allow the company to upgrade equipment and scale production.

He said the availability of such funding would help address existing infrastructure limitations and unlock economic opportunities within the livestock sector.

NIPC’s Rimi pointed out that the partnership could play a central role in improving national food supply and positioning Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s meat processing market.

She added that the sector’s long-term potential is significant, especially if challenges such as unreliable electricity and shortage of skilled labour are tackled effectively.

Both Chi Farms and JBS acknowledged these obstacles during the visit but maintained that targeted investments and joint ventures could help overcome them.

The stakeholders expressed confidence that the collaboration would contribute to long-term growth and sustainability of the livestock industry in Nigeria.

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