A groundbreaking partnership has been formed between Sabi, a leading $1 billion GMV B2B e-commerce platform, and Nigerian agricultural companies Nectar Fresh Limited and Meadow Foods.
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With the support of the Nigerian government, this initiative aims to tackle the supply chain and development challenges within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Oyo State Aggregation Initiative
The Oyo State Aggregation initiative focuses on creating a reliable supply chain for various premium crops, including 30,000 MT of cashew nuts and 10,000 MT of shea nuts. This partnership is set to drive economic growth and job creation in the small communities of Saki, Otiki, and Agbugudu while exploring new regions in the Opara Forest. Covering a vast 250,000-hectare area, the project employs advanced drone technology for comprehensive exploration and sustainable resource management.
Commitment to Responsible Agricultural Production
This initiative represents a new era of responsible agricultural production, blending access, technology, and innovation to maintain continued access to forest reserves while fostering community development. The three companies will collectively invest more than ₦52 million over the next year.
Under Sabi’s leadership, the partnership will provide financial, operational, and infrastructural support to ensure both partners and community members are well-supported. A centralized warehouse in Saki will be constructed to store export-ready commodities, ensuring quality and efficiency.
“This initiative marks a significant step towards creating a more reliable and community-focused agricultural supply chain in Nigeria,” said Ademola Adesina, president and co-founder of Sabi. “By empowering small farmers and providing them with the resources and market access they need, we are fostering economic growth and community development in Oyo State.”
Roles and Responsibilities
Meadow Foods, a local subsidiary of Dutch parent Acrosstrades, will handle project development and management, quality assurance, and technology integration on the ground. This logistical work is crucial for closing supply chain gaps and addressing shortages in Nigeria’s agricultural industry.
“Maintaining high standards for processing and compliance is crucial for the success of this project,” said Israel Omidosu, co-founder, Meadow Foods & Acrosstrades. “We are excited to bring our expertise to the table and contribute to a more efficient and reliable supply chain for Oyo State’s agricultural products and Nigerian agricultural exports.”
Nectar Fresh will lead efforts with community leaders in the Opara Forest to ensure farmers and their crops are developed and supported. Community engagement will be essential to the project’s success, especially in creating a commercial environment conducive to small farmers’ growth and competitiveness. The Oyo State Aggregation Project aims to create at least 350 job opportunities by December.
“We are committed to ensuring that small farmers have the support and access necessary to thrive,” said Soji Ogundoyin, CEO, Nectar Fresh. “Our engagement with community leaders will be key to the success of this project, and we look forward to working closely with them to create new avenues for commercialization and market access.”
Government Support and Future Prospects
This month, the Ministry of Environment & Water of Nigeria granted Sabi a license for the project, marking the official start of this transformative initiative.
The collaboration between Sabi, Nectar Fresh, and Meadow Foods, with government backing, is poised to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural sector, providing sustainable solutions and fostering economic growth in local communities.