The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has commended Henley & Ascort Limited, a meat processing company renowned for producing Kilishi, a popular local snack, for its role in driving the internationalisation of Nigerian cuisines and livestock products.
The commendation was made during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Livestock Development on Monday, 13th January 2025, by a delegation from the company led by its Managing Director, Mr. Segun Paul.
The Minister expressed admiration for Henley & Ascort Limited’s commitment to promoting indigenous snacks to international markets, highlighting the importance of hygiene, and innovation in enhancing global competitiveness.
“It’s truly inspiring to see how businesses like Henley & Ascort are showcasing our heritage on the global stage while promoting innovation and creating jobs within the country,” the Minister said.
He also shared updates on government initiatives aimed at enhancing the sector, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art abattoir in Abuja, which will process up to 1,500 bulls daily, and partnerships with development finance institutions to support businesses in the sector.
He commended the team for their innovative approach to livestock product processing and encouraged them to explore partnerships for backward integration and ranching while assuring them of the Ministry’s support in navigating these ventures.
The Managing Director of Henley & Ascort Limited, Segun Paul, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s encouragement and outlined the company’s vision for expanding the reach of Nigerian products, as well as enhancing quality standards.
He revealed plans to collaborate with local livestock farmers to ensure a steady supply of high-quality beef, while also investing in the development of the entire value chain, including ranching, feedlotting, and sustainable meat production practices.
“Our vision is to take Kilishi beyond our borders, making it a proudly Nigerian product on the shelves of supermarkets across Africa, Europe, and the Americas. We are currently engaging with international certification bodies to ensure our product meets global regulatory standards,” Paul disclosed.
He added: “We believe in the power of partnerships and are ready to collaborate with the government to integrate Kilishi into national programmes, including school feeding initiatives. As a high-protein, nutrient-dense snack, we believe Kilishi is an excellent addition to school meal programmes.”
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a thriving livestock sector and encouraged businesses to continue their strides in creating global opportunities for Nigerian products. Henley & Ascort processes about 70 bulls weekly or 5000kg of red meat in making the spicy Kilishi.
