The Edo State Government in Nigeria is seeking investment from Saudi Arabian companies to expand agricultural production, develop the livestock sector and strengthen agribusiness ahead of an international investment summit planned for the first quarter of 2027.

The initiative follows discussions between Edo State Commissioner for Livestock Development Ohimai Ehijimetor and officials of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Abuja. The meeting included Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdulrahman Altwaim, and the embassy’s Head of Economic Cooperation, Yazid Halawani.

The discussions focused on attracting foreign capital, establishing international partnerships and identifying opportunities across agriculture, livestock production, food processing and related industries.

Saudi Support for Investment Engagements

Ehijimetor said the Saudi Arabian Embassy had pledged to support the state’s efforts to attract investors to the forthcoming Edo International Agricultural and Livestock Investment Summit.

According to the commissioner, the embassy will also facilitate meetings between Edo State officials and investment companies in Riyadh, allowing the state to present potential projects and explore commercial partnerships ahead of the summit.

Other members of the Edo delegation included Roland Igbadumhe, Special Adviser on Livestock Development to the Edo State Governor, and Emmanuel Sule, Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture and Food Security. Sule is coordinating the government’s engagements with diplomatic missions as preparations for the summit continue.

The state hopes to attract investors capable of financing agricultural production, processing infrastructure and other activities that could strengthen its agricultural value chain.

However, no specific investment agreements, company commitments or financing amounts have been announced following the diplomatic discussions.

Opportunities Across the Agricultural Value Chain

Potential investment areas include crop production, livestock farming, food processing, storage, transportation and distribution. Increased investment in these activities could help local businesses expand production capacity, improve infrastructure and reach larger commercial markets.

The livestock sector also offers opportunities in animal breeding, animal feed production, veterinary services, meat processing and cold-chain logistics. Developing these areas could support related businesses, create employment and improve food supply.

For small-scale farmers and agribusiness operators, partnerships linking local producers with processors and larger buyers could improve market access and create more reliable routes to market.

The proposed Riyadh meetings are expected to give Edo officials an opportunity to present specific investment proposals to Saudi companies and explore potential financing arrangements.

The success of the initiative will depend on whether the discussions lead to concrete projects, adequate financing and meaningful participation by local farmers and businesses.

The planned 2027 summit forms part of Edo State’s broader effort to attract international investment into agriculture and livestock development. If the initiative secures viable partnerships, it could support agricultural expansion, strengthen agribusiness operations and create employment opportunities across the state.