Nigeria, China strengthen agricultural ties in Beijing talks

Nigeria’s agricultural modernisation drive has recorded a major milestone as a high-powered delegation led by the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, and the Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, embarked on a series of strategic engagements with top agribusiness enterprises in Beijing, China.

The mission, which included visits to Beijing Doudian Yisheng Halal Meat Industry Co. Ltd and CP Food Layers and Eggs Ltd, is part of an expanding programme aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock and poultry sector through large-scale industrial collaboration and technology transfer.

The engagements build on NCSP’s earlier consultations with DQY Ecological Farm—one of the most advanced agricultural innovation platforms under the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) Group.

Officials on the mission said discussions centred on strengthening technical cooperation, finalising investment frameworks, and advancing long-term commitments by Chinese partners to develop integrated livestock and agro-industrial projects in Nigeria.

The NCSP emphasised that the engagements align directly with the Federal Government’s priorities on food security, agricultural industrialisation, and foreign investment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to NCSP Director-General Joseph Tegbe, the collaboration represents a “critical step in building resilient agricultural value chains.” He noted that Nigeria requires “a blend of advanced technology, large-scale production, and global partnerships” to meet its food security goals.

“Our engagements in China are designed to secure not just investment, but also the expertise to drive sustainable transformation,” he added.

A major highlight of the mission is progress on the landmark USD $200 million National Integrated Poultry Development Project, whose pilot phase will be located in Kaduna State before being replicated across all six geopolitical zones.

Once fully operational, the Kaduna pilot is projected to generate more than $450 million annually and create over 350,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide along the poultry value chain. Analysts say the enterprise could evolve into one of the most technologically advanced poultry operations in West Africa, reducing production costs and lowering market prices for eggs and poultry products.

The delegation commended the Government of the People’s Republic of China for its commitment to agricultural cooperation. Chinese agribusiness institutions engaged during the visit expressed strong interest in deepening investment, technology partnerships and joint research opportunities with Nigeria.

Governor Uba Sani said Kaduna State is committed to providing an enabling environment for the pilot phase of the project.

“This partnership aligns with our development priorities—job creation, industrial expansion and enhanced food production,” he stated.

The NCSP reaffirmed its commitment to fostering high-impact bilateral partnerships that boost food security, accelerate agricultural modernisation and unlock inclusive economic opportunities for Nigerians.

With the latest engagements in Beijing, Nigeria’s livestock and poultry sector appears poised for a new phase of growth anchored on global innovation, large-scale investment and strategic international cooperation.