Silagreen International Agro Development Limited has entered into a major international partnership aimed at transforming Nigeria’s cattle production sector. The Nigerian agro firm signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several respected Brazilian institutions, including the University of Zebu Breeders Association, the Educational Foundation for the Development of Agricultural Sciences, and the Associated Colleges of UBERABA.
The deal, which focuses on livestock development, food security, and technical training, was announced on Sunday by Michael Akinruli, Chief Executive Officer of Silagreen. He described the MoU as a strategic collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil, targeting both scientific and cultural knowledge exchange.
According to Akinruli, the agreement is expected to significantly improve Nigeria’s cattle production capacity. He said it will also train Nigerian students and agricultural professionals in modern livestock techniques, especially in ruminant management, where Nigeria currently has serious skill gaps. The programme is designed to equip participants with practical, hands-on knowledge that will help introduce modern technology and scientific methods into Nigeria’s livestock sector.
“This partnership will help Nigerian graduates and undergraduates improve their skills in cattle production,” Akinruli said. “The beneficiaries will go through well-structured courses that will expose them to advanced methods in livestock farming, which they can apply back home.”
The initiative is being supported by ZEBUEMBRYO Company, Silagreen’s Brazilian partner. The training, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building elements of the MoU are also aligned with the goals of Nigeria’s newly created Ministry of Livestock Development.
“The technology transfer component of this agreement will greatly assist the new Ministry of Livestock Development to meet its objectives,” Akinruli added.
Chairman of Silagreen, Amos Ayodele, also praised the agreement and encouraged government bodies and private sector players in Nigeria to tap into the opportunity. He said the country needs to take full advantage of the collaboration with Brazil, a global leader in beef production.
“I urge the federal, state, and local governments as well as agricultural organisations and companies to embrace this opportunity,” Ayodele said. “Brazil is the largest producer of beef in the world. Partnering with them brings immense benefit to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.”
Technical Director of Silagreen, Adeola Adesote, explained that the livestock industry in Nigeria has long suffered from a lack of skilled field personnel. He noted that the MoU would address these challenges directly by providing training to fill this important gap.
“One of the biggest problems in Nigeria’s livestock sector is the absence of competent people on the field to manage ruminant livestock,” Adesote said. “This partnership will fix that problem by offering real, practical training to our people.”
The collaboration between Silagreen and the Brazilian institutions is expected to support national food security efforts by enhancing beef production, improving the quality of livestock, and modernising animal farming techniques in Nigeria. It also signals a growing trend of agricultural diplomacy and cooperation between African countries and global food production leaders like Brazil.
