In a significant move that is poised to deepen economic ties between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi government has officially approved a $100 million livestock offtake agreement with Nigeria. The deal, which was confirmed by the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, marks a historic breakthrough in agricultural trade cooperation between the two nations and is expected to boost Nigeria’s livestock industry while meeting Saudi Arabia’s growing demand for halal-certified meat.
Governor Bago, who spoke during a high-level briefing, disclosed that the deal was finalized following a series of bilateral engagements between Nigerian delegates and Saudi investors under the umbrella of the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. He noted that the agreement will see the Middle Eastern powerhouse directly sourcing high-quality livestock from Nigeria for processing and consumption in the Kingdom.
“This is a monumental step not just for Niger State but for Nigeria as a whole,” the governor said. “The Saudi government has approved an offtake deal valued at $100 million. This will create thousands of jobs, enhance foreign exchange earnings, and revitalize our livestock value chain, especially in Northern Nigeria where animal husbandry is a major economic activity.”
According to Bago, the livestock earmarked for export will include cattle, sheep, and goats raised under hygienic, traceable, and halal-compliant conditions in line with Saudi import regulations. The governor added that modern ranches and feedlots will be established to meet the quality and health standards required by the Saudi market, including vaccination, veterinary certification, and humane handling protocols.
The deal comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is ramping up efforts to secure food sources from trusted partners, particularly in the Global South. As part of its Vision 2030 strategy, the Kingdom is looking to diversify its food import sources while strengthening strategic partnerships across Africa and Asia. Nigeria, with its vast arable land, livestock population, and agro-economic potential, has emerged as a natural partner in this regard.
Governor Bago also revealed that the partnership will be driven by private sector players under the supervision of government regulatory agencies to ensure transparency and accountability. He emphasized that the collaboration extends beyond livestock exports, hinting at future engagements in agriculture technology transfer, meat processing, and cold chain infrastructure.
For Nigeria, a country striving to expand its non-oil exports and improve its trade balance, the agreement is seen as a major win. It reflects the growing confidence of international partners in Nigeria’s agricultural potential and supports the federal government’s broader agenda to reposition agriculture as a primary driver of economic growth.
Analysts the development as a timely intervention that could transform rural economies, reduce herder-farmer conflict by commercializing grazing practices, and open new markets for Nigerian agribusinesses.
With implementation expected to begin in phases, stakeholders are optimistic that the Saudi-Nigeria livestock offtake deal will not only generate much-needed revenue but also position Nigeria as a key supplier in the global halal meat market.
