Katsina State is taking major steps to modernise its livestock sector as Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has concluded a series of high-level engagements with key institutions and investors in the Republic of South Africa. The visit focused on securing strategic partnerships that will help transform the livestock value chain, attract foreign direct investment, and drive economic growth and industrial development across the state.
During the engagements in South Africa, Governor Radda explained that the initiative is part of his administration’s broader plan to modernise agriculture, attract credible investors, create sustainable jobs, and adopt global best practices in livestock production, solid minerals development, and affordable housing technology.
Governor Radda highlighted that South Africa’s livestock industry offers valuable lessons for Katsina, noting that the country operates around 70 feedlots and 495 abattoirs. He pointed out that the beef industry alone employs more than 500,000 people and supports about 2.1 million dependants.
“The scale, organisation and efficiency we have witnessed here show what is achievable when the livestock value chain is properly structured and supported. It clearly demonstrates how agriculture, when run as a business, can drive massive job creation, food security and economic growth,” the Governor said.
The Katsina delegation toured Progeny Feedlot, a modern livestock facility that uses advanced systems for cattle sourcing, feeding and finishing to ensure healthy growth and high-quality meat yield. Governor Radda described the operation as a significant departure from traditional practices and said such innovations could help Katsina move from small-scale livestock rearing to commercial, large-scale production.
“What we are seeing here confirms that with the right technology, management and investment, our livestock sector can become a major engine of prosperity for our people,” he added.
The delegation also visited Karan Beef, the world’s largest beef producer operating a fully halal slaughter system. The company manages the largest feedlot globally in Heidelberg, covering about 2,330 hectares with integrated maize, soybean and hay farms, along with an abattoir that processes roughly 2,500 cattle daily.
“This fully integrated model shows how production, processing and marketing can be seamlessly linked to create value, reduce waste, ensure food security and generate thousands of jobs across the entire value chain,” the Governor observed.
Governor Radda also held talks with Mr. Abdullah Salem, Chief Executive Officer of International Meat Processing LLC, Pittsburgh, USA, a subsidiary of Salem’s Halal Food Group Corporation. The discussions centred on potential investments in Katsina’s halal meat processing industry and the state’s export opportunities.
The global halal meat company expressed strong interest in establishing operations in Katsina and is expected to visit the state soon to finalise partnership arrangements.
“This partnership will open Katsina to international markets, strengthen our halal meat industry and position the state as a major hub for livestock processing and export in West Africa,” Governor Radda stated.
Apart from livestock development, the Governor and his team also engaged Crystal Partners, an investment firm that presented a proposal targeting Katsina’s rich deposits of energy transition minerals such as nickel, lithium, copper, and manganese. These minerals are essential raw materials for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and other clean energy technologies.
The proposed partnership will be implemented through the Katsina State Exploration, Mining and Investment Company (KEMCO) and aligns with the administration’s goal of economic diversification, industrial development and job creation.
Governor Radda also held discussions with Hydraform, a globally recognised company established in 1988 and operating in Nigeria since 1997. The company specialises in alternative building technologies that can reduce construction costs by 30 to 60 per cent. He said Hydraform’s innovative brick and block solutions could greatly support the state’s affordable housing and urban development programmes.
During the visit, the delegation met with Mrs. Erica, a prominent cattle breeder, who helped the team connect with major dairy farms, including South Africa’s largest Jersey cow farm, and the country’s biggest poultry farm, which produces about 3.5 million eggs monthly.
“These engagements will open new opportunities for technology transfer, improved breeding, enhanced productivity and fresh investment in our dairy and poultry subsectors,” the Governor said.
Governor Radda emphasised that the entire mission reflects his administration’s determination to learn from global best practices and build strong partnerships that can transform Katsina’s agriculture, solid minerals, housing and industrial base.
“Our goal is clear: to create jobs, raise incomes, strengthen food security, attract investment and drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth across all parts of Katsina State,” he added.
The delegation included the Honourable Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Ahmed Bakori Mohammed, and Dr. Usman Ma’azu Dan’asabe.
