The Co-founder/Group Executive Director of ABIS Group, Mrs. Abigail Nelson, has urged the federal and state governments to put into place an enabling environment that would make the livestock agriculture business more attractive to investors, particularly budding entrepreneurs.

Nelson said although the challenges faced by investors in the agricultural value chain are not peculiar to the sector, but resonate with almost all businesses, hence the need for special attention on livestock with the role the sector plays in any economy.

Speaking to journalists on the sideline of the firm’s facility tour in Lagos, she pointed out that funding has been quite difficult as the interest rates on bank loans for agric-related business remains outrageous. She said the group, which is a fully integrated agro-allied and livestock processing conglomerate, is revolutionising Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

“It would be very helpful if the government can step in and provide maybe soft loans, or grants, this will encourage upcoming entrepreneurs and investors. And it will also be nice if we look into providing a very suitable ranch, where we can have these herdsmen in a beautiful location to feed their cattle. It is going to go a long way in curbing the insecurities that we’re experiencing in the country at this moment,” she said.

According to her, getting approval for livestock business should also be made easier. However, she noted that the Lagos State government has been supportive, adding that operators are still open to receiving more help from the government.

Nelson stressed that it is important that all Nigerians are entitled to healthy and hygienically processed protein.

“You will notice that a lot of people are not eating well because where the livestock proteins are coming from are not good enough, we end up with a lot of health challenges. Nigerians should have access to hygienically processed proteins including fruits, vegetables and any other kind of foodstuff, that is why ABIS group was established,” she said.

She further disclosed that the firm is encouraging gender inclusion in livestock agriculture through a scheme called, ‘Women in Livestock Development’. Through the initiative, she said beneficiaries have been able to cater for themselves and their families through the stall they were provided to trade.

“We’ve empowered over 700 women who are into poultry, and then after their chickens are ready for harvest, we buy from them, thus providing a ready market for their products,” she said.

On his part, a director at ABIS Group, Mr Mohammed Tukur, pointed out the group is working to transform livestock production, processing, and then marketing of livestock products in the country.

“I think one of the greatest revolutions that we had recently was the initiative by President Bola Tinubu to create the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, to drive the change that everybody is talking about in the sector. There are challenges especially for start-ups in livestock production but through resilience, government’s support we can overcome them. We have facilities in Lagos, Abuja, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, and other parts of the country,” he said.