FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with Barn Holding Group, a leading agribusiness conglomerate, to establish a large-scale livestock and dairy development project in the State.
The multi-billion-naira initiative, to be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, aims to create over 20,000 job opportunities for Abians, enhance food security, and generate significant revenue for the State through value-chain expansion and modern livestock production.
Speaking at Government House, Umuahia, during a presentation by the Chief Executive Officer of Barn Holding Group, Engr. Tony Jibuno, Governor Otti described the proposal as a viable step toward agricultural transformation and job creation in Abia.
“This is an innovative and practical approach to modern farming. Agriculture remains the foundation of Nigeria’s sustainable development,” Governor Otti said.
The Governor announced the constitution of a five-member government team to work with the company in developing the project’s framework and financing model. He emphasised the importance of thorough technical planning and site assessments to ensure smooth execution.
“The devil is always in the details. We must dot all the i’s and cross the t’s and move to the site as quickly as possible,” the Governor added.
Governor Otti further assured the investors of the State Government’s support in providing land either at Okoko Item, where the promoters initially proposed to start, or at Umunneochi, which also has suitable land for expansion.
“My preference is to expand horizontally or vertically within the same space to ensure operational efficiency. But if Okoko is too remote, we can relocate to Umunneochi,” he explained.
The Governor reaffirmed that the project aligns with his administration’s policy on ranching and modern livestock management, stressing that open grazing is no longer sustainable.
In his presentation, Engr. Tony Jibuno, CEO of Barn Holdings Group, said the partnership aims to revitalize the Okoko Livestock Farm and develop a feedlot and abattoir at Umunneochi, making Abia a regional hub for livestock traceability, disease control, and beef production.
According to him, the project will serve as a demonstration and training centre for local farmers, equipping them with practical skills in modern livestock management and agribusiness practices.
He revealed that the facility is projected to produce 2,000 tonnes of beef annually, reduce dependence on imports, and boost local food production.
Mr. Jibuno also appealed for an additional 500 hectares of land around Okoko to guarantee the farm’s long-term commercial viability.
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbarze, the Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, the Director-General, PPP and Investment Promotion Office, Mr. Chinedum Chijioke, SA Lands, Pastor Okorougo Aji, and the Principal Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, among others.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
November 7, 2025
