In a landmark development for Nigeria’s agricultural export sector, Jurassic Abattoir and the Commodities Development Initiative (CDI) have signed an offtaker agreement aimed at penetrating the Saudi Arabian red meat market.
The strategic partnership, formalized today, positions Nigeria to meet the increasing demand for high-quality bovine and ovine meat in Saudi Arabia.
Under the agreement, Jurassic Abattoir will produce premium meat products, while CDI will facilitate market access by collaborating with the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) and private meat importers in Saudi Arabia.
Managing director of P and I Energy Consult, the parent company of Jurassic Abattoir, Dr. Anyebe Idoga, highlighted the importance of the partnership.
“This initiative is timely and in the nation’s interest as we work alongside the Federal and State governments to harness the necessary investments in infrastructure and systems that will enable us to access the global market, starting with Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Managing director of CDI, Roland Oroh, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the project’s potential to strengthen Nigeria’s export capacity.
“We are glad to be part of this process from the beginning. This investment will significantly boost the country’s ability to produce high-quality meat for export,” Oroh stated.
The partnership comes as Saudi Arabia expressed interest in importing 176,000 metric tons of red meat annually from Nigeria, alongside alfalfa hay and soybean meal.
CDI has been in ongoing discussions with SALIC to meet these demands, which are expected to generate significant economic benefits for Nigeria.
The Nigeria Red Meat Partnership, coordinated by CDI in collaboration with various government departments, aims to export 35,200 metric tons of red meat by the end of 2025. Relevant stakeholders, including the Animal Husbandry Services and the Veterinary and Pest Control Services departments, are actively involved in this effort.
Jurassic Abattoir is a $10 million project situated on 50 hectares of land in Nasarawa Egon, Nasarawa State. Set to be completed by September 2025, the facility will have the capacity to process 1,000 cattle and 500 sheep and goats daily. The project is expected to create 100 direct and indirect jobs.
The red meat export initiative is projected to generate $273 million (N451 billion) by 2025. It will also create over 20,000 direct and 100,000 indirect jobs while contributing to Nigeria’s GDP and strengthening the naira through foreign exchange inflows.
The partnership underscores Nigeria’s determination to harness its agricultural potential for global market access, contributing to national economic growth and development.
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