Nigerian Breweries Validates Local Barley Cultivation, Seeks Infrastructure Support

Nigerian Breweries Plc has confirmed the successful cultivation of locally grown barley as part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported malted barley and strengthen domestic agricultural supply chains.

The company said it showcased the progress during its Maltina Barley Field Day held in Ringim, Jigawa State, where it presented results from the pilot phase of the Maltina Barley Programme. The initiative is designed to develop a sustainable local barley industry while creating new opportunities for smallholder farmers in Northern Nigeria.

Niger Breweries noted that though the project has demonstrated that barley can grow successfully under local soil and climate conditions, large-scale commercial production will require major investments in irrigation infrastructure, mechanisation and broader agricultural support systems.

Nigeria currently imports about 200,000 tonnes of malted barley annually for brewing and beverage production.

During the programme’s pilot phase, more than 1,000 smallholder farmers participated in barley cultivation this season, with projected output exceeding 1,000 tonnes.

Farmers involved in the project received quality seeds, fertilisers and mechanised services through partnerships with agricultural service providers including OCP Africa and Hello Tractor. Nigerian Breweries also guaranteed off-take for the harvested crop to ensure market access for participating farmers.

The company said the programme is the result of extensive research and development conducted in partnership with the Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI) and the French breeder Secobra Research. Through the collaboration, barley varieties were successfully adapted to the growing conditions in Northern Nigeria.

In 2024, three high-yield and climate-adapted barley varieties — Traveller, Explorer and Prunella — were officially registered by the National Agricultural Seed Council.

Managing director and chief executive officer of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Thibaut Boidin, described the project as a long-term investment in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

He said government collaboration will be essential to expand production and build a sustainable barley value chain.

“The Maltina Barley Project is a long-term commitment. It is a marathon, not a sprint. Sustained government partnership will be critical, particularly in the areas of irrigation infrastructure, mechanisation, access to quality inputs and extension support,” Boidin said.

Also speaking, Supply Chain director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Federico Agressi, said the initiative could significantly boost economic diversification if adequately supported.

According to him, the programme has the potential to introduce barley as a new crop within Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem while supporting local industry and improving rural livelihoods.

“With proven agronomic feasibility, strong market demand and sustained stakeholder engagement, this programme can transform Nigeria’s barley industry and create meaningful prosperity for thousands of rural farming households,” he said.

Studies conducted with development partners IDH and Dalberg have identified more than 400,000 hectares of farmland suitable for barley cultivation across Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and Yobe states.

The project has also secured climate-smart agricultural funding, including £330,000 from the UK-funded Propcom+ initiative to support the 2026 production season.

Nigerian Breweries said it aims to integrate about 20,000 farmers into the barley value chain by 2030 as part of its long-term strategy to localise raw material sourcing.

However, the company stressed that achieving this goal will require sustained collaboration between the government and the private sector, as well as continued investment in irrigation, mechanisation and stable agricultural policies to support the gradual expansion of domestic barley production.