Public–Private Execution Engine for Large Scale Production, Processing, and Export
Jigawa El-Meena Farms (JEFs) is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) jointly established by the Jigawa State Government and El-Meena Farms Ltd to execute large-scale, export-grade forage production, processing, and fulfilment in Jigawa State, Nigeria.
Programme Snapshot
Phase 1 (2026–2027)
1,000-hectare SPV-operated core production estate
Phase 2 (2028–2029)
Expansion to 10,000 ha through SPV estates + integrated pastoralists, cluster farmers, and commercial clusters
Phase 3 (2030–2035)
Large Scale Production toward 100,000 ha
Export-grade Alfalfa Markets
Local, GCC and global livestock markets
Operations
Technology-enabled, quality-enforced, transparently governed
Why Jigawa
Suitable Agro-Climatic Conditions
Semi-arid climate with high solar radiation and fertile, well-drained soils supports efficient irrigation, healthy root systems, low disease risk, and reliable multi-cut alfalfa yields.
Large-Scale Irrigation Potential
Accessible groundwater resources with shallow water tables (<100 m) support efficient borehole abstraction, reduce pumping costs, and enable scalable centre-pivot irrigation systems for continuous production.
Strong Government Commitment
Clear policy backing, institutional support, infrastructure and land access, security and community integration
Strategic Export Alignment
Supports Nigeria's export diversification agenda and foreign exchange growth priorities.
Who We Are
Vision
To lead Nigeria's public–private execution of export-grade alfalfa for local and global markets, positioning Jigawa as a premium forage hub.
Mission
Deliver large-scale, irrigation-based, export-grade alfalfa production and processing through operational efficiency, disciplined governance, inclusive community and cluster participation, and strict quality standards, ensuring reliable supply, and sustainable local impact.
Core Values (SPV)
Execution Excellence
We turn approved plans, capital, and partnerships into physical output, on time, to standard, and at scale.
Accountability & Stewardship
We manage public and private resources responsibly, protecting capital, assets, and trust on behalf of all stakeholders.
Quality & Standards
We operate strictly to defined agronomic, processing, ESG, and export standards, without compromise.
Transparency
We maintain clear reporting, traceable decisions, and auditable processes across all operations.
Partnership & Inclusion
We integrate pastoralists, farmers, and commercial partners into a structured system that delivers shared value without diluting quality.
Organisational Culture (SPV)
How people inside JEF are expected to think and behave
- Professional Public–Private Conduct: We combine private-sector efficiency with public-sector responsibility, operating with integrity, respect, and professionalism.
- Risk-Aware Mindset: Operational, financial, environmental, and compliance risks are identified early and actively managed.
- Delivery-First Culture: JEF exists to execute. Plans approved are plans delivered.
- Governance-Led Discipline: Clear separation of roles—Board governs, Management executes, and no informal or political interference.
- Performance & Data Orientation: Decisions are driven by KPIs, field data, and verified information, not assumptions or influence.
Mandate
JEFs is the execution vehicle responsible for converting policy, investment, and market access into real production and export delivery.
JEFs is responsible for:
- Field-level production operations
- Processing, storage, and logistics
- Quality enforcement and traceability
- Export fulfilment
Institutional Relationships
Jigawa State Government
Provides land access, infrastructure support, enabling policy, credit guarantee, community engagement and security.
El-Meena Farms Ltd
Providing the platform, quality standards, advisory services, aggregation logic, market access, transaction infrastructure, and structuring CAPEX funding in partnership with export finance and commercial banks.
Governance
Governance Structure
JEF operates under a robust, investor-grade governance framework to ensure accountability, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
Board Composition
Governance Principles
- Fiduciary oversight
- Clear separation of governance and management
- Quarterly performance and financial reviews
- Audit, risk, and ESG compliance
Operations
Production System
Land preparation → planting → irrigation → harvesting
Processing & Storage
- Baling, cubing, pelleting
- Moisture control
- Warehousing
Quality Assurance
- Field inspections
- CP%, density checks
- Traceability
Export Logistics
- Aggregation
- APZ/EPZ coordination
- Shipping & delivery
Programme Roadmap
Core Estate Establishment
2026–2027
- Establish 1,000 ha SPV-operated core estate
- Deploy irrigation and mechanization infrastructure
- Implement quality standards and digital monitoring
- Execute first export shipments
- Serve as proof of operational capability
- Volume anchor for early offtake
- Demonstration and training base
Expansion & Cluster Integration
2028–2029
- Scale to 10,000 ha through hybrid model
- SPV-operated estates expansion
- Integrate Tier 1: Pastoralists
- Integrate Tier 2: Cluster farmers
- Integrate Tier 3: Commercial clusters
- Unified quality standards across all producers
- Digital monitoring systems for all tiers
Industrial Scale-Up
2030–2035
- Expansion toward 100,000 ha cultivation
- Additional processing hubs
- Full industrial export operations
- Integration into national export corridors
- Regional market expansion
Clusters & Participation
Pastoralists & Smallholders
1–10 hectares
Structured inclusion of registered pastoralists and smallholders into formal out-grower groups providing access to training and production inputs, supporting livestock and stabilising livelihood, and a guaranteed offtake.
Cluster Farmers
50–200 hectares
Integrated clusters of small and medium-scale farmers operating under shared irrigation, mechanisation, and digital monitoring systems, enabling commercial production and aggregation at scale.
Commercial Clusters
200–1000+ hectares
Large-scale commercial and aggregator-led clusters with advanced mechanisation and centre-pivot irrigation, delivering high-volume, export-grade production directly linked to international markets.
Core & Ingrower Estates
The initial 1,000-ha SPV-operated estate provides the operational base, export volumes, and best-practice benchmarks ahead of Phase 2 integration.
Support Provided
Investment & Partnerships
We welcome strategic partners who share our vision for transforming agriculture in Nigeria and building sustainable export value chains.
Partnership Opportunities
- Irrigation & EPC Services (Design, supply, installation, and commissioning)
- Processing and Storage Infrastructure (Baling, cubing, pelleting, warehousing)
- Logistics and Export Services (Aggregation, shipping, documentation, delivery)
- Agricultural Export, Trade, and Development Finance (Agricultural Banks, Investors, Development Partners)
- Research and Capacity-Building (Universities, labs, training and technology transfer)
ESG & Communities
Pastoralist Inclusion
Structured integration and conflict reduction through economic participation
Youth Employment
Skills development and job creation for young people
Water Stewardship
Sustainable land use and responsible water management
Community Development
Programmes supporting local communities and livelihoods
What Partners Are Saying
"This project represents an economic bridge between Nigeria, the Middle East and the globe, combining land, expertise, and world-class irrigation technology."
Programme Updates (Coming Soon)
Stay informed about milestones, developments, and announcements
Monthly Progress Reports
Regular updates on programme implementation and milestones
Media Announcements
Official press releases and public communications
Project Milestones
Key achievements and development phases
Downloads (Coming Soon)
Contact Us
Have questions? We're here to help.
Producer & Cluster Enquiries
Information for farmers and cluster participants
Email UsPhone: 08059468434
Our Location
No 2, Babangida Aliyu Street, Asokoro, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria
Ready to Grow Smarter?
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