NIGERIA – The Irish Dairy Milk is set to partner with the Ogun State, south-western of Nigeria, in a major investment with a focus on the dairy and livestock sectors.

Speaking during a meeting with the management of Irish Dairy Milk in Abeokuta, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said that the two are set to enter into a  Public-Private Partnership for the establishment of a world class ranch.

According to a report by Beverage Industry News, Irish Dairy Milk seeks to set up a dairy processing plant in the state.

The Governor highlighted that the agricultural sector presents wide investment opportunities adding that being one of the biggest pillars of his administration, it could help boost revenues and reduce the rate of unemployment in the State.

He noted that the administration would establish an investment promotion agency to drive the public private partnership agenda with a focus on the livestock sector.

 “… there is a lot of discussion on cattle rearing, cattle ranching, for us in Ogun state.

“Beside the fact that we are looking at agriculture as a sector, we are looking at livestock as well, we are actually looking at how to set up our own ranches to be owned by the Public Private Partnership (PPP),” he said.

He noted that the strategic position of Ogun State presents vast opportunities including a ready market and the potential to significantly contribute to the food security efforts in the country.

He revealed that the partnership will also facilitate setting up a state of the art abattoir as well as repositioning the state as a net milk exporter.

The governor while appreciating the gesture of the company to set up their manufacturing plant in the state, assured the firm of the state’s preparedness in teaming up through the joint venture.

The Chief Executive Officer, Irish Diary Milk, Global, Samir Boudjada said “This is the ultimate state for us, the feedback is really positive and we are looking forward to being part of this private partnership and creating jobs in Nigeria.

“This is the gateway state close to Lagos and you know when you are sighting a factory, you need certain parameters, we need a seaport that we can export out our goods, Ogun state is strategically relevant to the business of this nature.”

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