The Jigawa State Government has entered a major partnership with El-Meena Farms Ltd to establish what is described as Nigeria’s largest fodder export corridor under the Jigawa Alfalfa Value Chain Development Project. The new Memorandum of Understanding outlines a plan to cultivate 100,000 hectares of premium Alfalfa, with expected annual export earnings estimated between $440 million and $540 million. Saudi Arabia’s Alkhorayef Group has been selected as the technical partner responsible for delivering irrigation infrastructure.
The agreement is structured around the NEXIM Bank–Saudi EXIM Bank export financing window, with an initial $5 million capital expenditure set aside for the purchase of advanced Center Pivot Irrigation Systems for the first 1,000-hectare pilot phase. Through Capemano Consulting, its representative in Nigeria, Alkhorayef Group will deploy modern irrigation technology to support continuous, high-yield Alfalfa production for markets in GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, where demand for water-efficient, high-protein livestock feed continues to grow.
Governor Umar Namadi described the project as a major pillar of his administration’s long-term economic plan and a symbol of strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and the Middle East. “By combining Jigawa’s vast land resources with El-Meena’s operational expertise and Saudi Arabia’s superior irrigation technology, we are building a secure, high-value export corridor that aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said during the signing ceremony in Dutse.
Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa, noted that the project fits into the President’s focus on boosting agricultural output. “Priority number two of the President’s agenda focuses on boosting agriculture to achieve food security. The investment-friendly climate in Jigawa is one of the key reasons we are bringing this project here,” he explained, adding that work would begin immediately.
Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Salim Mohammed, highlighted Alfalfa as a high-protein forage crop capable of improving livestock performance, creating large-scale jobs, and increasing export income for the state and the country.
The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Abubakar Abba Bello of NEXIM Bank, Mr. Haruna Musa of Jaiz Bank, Dr. Armstrong Takang of Ministry of Finance Incorporated, and representatives from Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and other institutions.
