The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s firm commitment to transforming the livestock and agricultural sectors through strategic partnerships and international collaboration.
Governor Mutfwang gave this assurance while receiving a Brazilian agribusiness delegation led by renowned dairy expert, Mr. Paulo Hegg of Tirolez, accompanied by Mr. Akubo Adege, Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Delivery and Coordination.
Describing Plateau as Nigeria’s most promising destination for livestock and dairy investment, the Governor declared, “You have come to the right place. If there is anywhere in Nigeria where dairy and livestock businesses can thrive, it is here on the Plateau.”
He noted that although cheese production has been sustained locally for over three decades, constraints such as limited financing and inadequate infrastructure have hampered large-scale expansion. The Governor expressed optimism that the recent creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development will serve as a catalyst for improving productivity, processing capacity, and econ o my direction in the sector.
“We are ready to move beyond subsistence into full agribusiness. Our target is not only the local market but also the export economy—especially the Middle East, where demand for beef and dairy products continues to grow,” Mutfwang stated.
He disclosed that plans are already underway to construct a modern slaughterhouse capable of processing 500 cattle daily, designed to meet international sanitary and phytosanitary standards for meat exports. The Governor also highlighted the state’s ongoing cultivation of specialized forage crops, such as Napier grass and Brachiaria, to support sustainable ranching and enhance animal nutrition.
Beyond dairy, Governor Mutfwang expressed a strong interest in importing superior Brazilian cattle breeds and adopting global best practices in dairy management, meat processing, and value chain development.
“Our strategy is to drive investment through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). We believe in leveraging private sector efficiency to manage public sector assets. That’s the future we’re building here on the Plateau,” he asserted.
Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed Plateau State’s openness to international partnerships, especially with companies willing to invest in long-term development and share technological expertise. He assured the delegation of a business-friendly environment backed by forward-looking policies and robust institutional support.
He noted that “the best yoghurt in Nigeria” is already being produced in Plateau State, an affirmation of its viability in dairy production.
“We look forward to breathing life into the Brazil–Nigeria partnership right here in Plateau. Let this visit mark the beginning of something truly transformative, for our people, for agriculture, and for the prosperity of both nations,” the Governor concluded.
Earlier, Mr. Paulo Hegg explained that the team’s visit aimed to support agricultural development in Nigeria and across Africa. “I worked for six years in Sudan on a major agricultural project using modern Brazilian technologies, seeds, equipment, labor, and management. We succeeded in multiplying cotton yields by a factor of ten. We believe the same can be achieved here across various crops,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Akubo Adege, Special Assistant to the President on Delivery and Coordination, explained that the visit aligns with the Nigeria–Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism, initiated over a decade ago to foster bilateral cooperation.
“Tomorrow marks the second session of the Strategic Dialogue Mechanism. President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to strengthening relationships with state governments and eliminating obstacles to doing business at the subnational level,” he stated.
“We’ve had an excellent partnership with Plateau State, and our goal is to ensure that these opportunities translate into tangible impact and meaningful business for the people,” Adege added.
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