In a decisive move to confront Nigeria’s growing food security and livestock feed challenges, the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) has entered into a high-level collaboration with the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), marking a significant step toward transforming bilateral agreements into tangible agro-industrial outcomes.
The strategic engagement, held at the NCSP headquarters in Abuja, brought together leadership teams from both organisations to chart a joint agricultural pathway aligned with key frameworks of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during the meeting, NCSP Director General, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, reiterated the agency’s expanded mandate to manage over 55 China-Nigeria bilateral agreements spanning sectors like agriculture, mining, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“We are deliberately shifting from transactional projects to integrated, development-focused partnerships that generate long-term national value,” Mr. Tegbe stated.
“Agriculture, particularly sustainable food systems and livestock development, is one of the cornerstones of our current focus with the Chinese government and private sector.”
Representing BORBDA, Managing Director, Dr. Olufemi Samuel Adekanmbi, presented the National Feed Development Initiative—a flagship proposal aimed at curbing Nigeria’s chronic livestock feed shortage. The initiative envisions the establishment of feed production hubs across all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
“Our approach will incorporate Juncao grass, soybean meal, and black soldier fly larvae as sustainable feed components,” Dr. Adekanmbi explained.
“This model not only improves animal nutrition and food security, but also creates youth employment opportunities—especially through collaboration with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE)—and reduces herder-farmer conflicts.”
Dr. Adekanmbi emphasized that BORBDA already has the land and irrigation infrastructure required to begin immediate implementation, and called on NCSP to mobilise Chinese technical expertise and private sector investment to fast-track the initiative.
Both agencies expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the collaboration, which aims to catalyse a new wave of agricultural innovation and inclusive economic growth.
“NCSP is fully committed to activating and scaling partnerships that are in line with the broader bilateral and national vision,” Mr. Tegbe affirmed.
“We are ready to facilitate Chinese engagement, connect with relevant ministries, and ensure that Nigeria benefits fully from this development opportunity.”
This engagement underscores NCSP’s commitment to evolving Nigeria’s bilateral relationship with China from policy agreements into practical, high-impact programs that respond to national needs. The partnership also positions Nigeria to benefit from sustainable food production techniques while building resilience in the agricultural value chain.
