By Rukayat Moisemhe
The Chief Executive Officer of FACCO West Africa, Mr. Femi Adelayo, says indigenous manufacturing is becoming a critical driver of livestock transformation in Nigeria, with the potential to improve food security and support a healthier population.
Adelayo disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.
He said the convergence of local manufacturing, smart engineering and farm automation was redefining livestock production systems across the country, enabling Nigeria to address its persistent protein deficit while improving efficiency, biosecurity and animal welfare.
According to him, structural inefficiencies, high production costs and overdependence on imported equipment have long constrained growth in poultry, dairy and piggery value chains.
“Today, we are witnessing a decisive shift. Indigenous capacity is no longer limited to assembling components; it now involves delivering integrated, end-to-end solutions tailored to Nigeria’s climate, farmers and market realities,” he said.
Adelayo explained that FACCO West Africa’s operations are built around a systems-thinking model, where housing, feeding, processing and waste management work together to optimise livestock production.
“A product only becomes a solution when all components exist in harmony. That philosophy drives everything we design and deploy across the livestock ecosystem,” he said.
He noted that the company’s poultry housing systems are built to global standards, with features such as corrosion-resistant materials, high-grade insulation and climate-resilient designs suited to harsh weather conditions.
According to him, the systems support both large-scale and smallholder farmers by improving productivity in broiler, layer and breeder operations while maintaining strict hygiene and health standards.
Adelayo added that automated feeding, drinking, lighting and ventilation systems embedded in FACCO’s cage and floor rearing solutions help reduce labour costs, minimise waste and improve animal welfare.
“These innovations go beyond convenience. Healthier birds, improved feed conversion and better environmental control translate into safer and more affordable protein for Nigerians,” he said.
Beyond farm production, Adelayo said the company is investing in processing and value-addition infrastructure, including automated systems for live bird handling, slaughtering, evisceration, chilling, cut-up and deboning.
He stressed that strengthening processing capacity is vital to reducing post-harvest losses, improving food safety and creating employment opportunities across the livestock value chain.
“Increasing production without efficient processing creates bottlenecks. We are closing that gap by delivering full-line automation that meets domestic demand and export standards, including halal requirements,” he said.
Adelayo also highlighted the importance of feed storage and management systems such as fibreglass and galvanised silos in preserving feed quality and ensuring steady supply.
“Feed represents a significant share of production costs. Proper storage prevents contamination, reduces spoilage and preserves nutritional value, ultimately improving livestock performance,” he said.
He noted that the company’s feed milling and pelletising technologies combine modern engineering with efficient production systems to deliver consistent, high-quality feed.
On sustainability, Adelayo underscored the need to integrate livestock farming with broader agricultural systems through waste management and resource optimisation.
“We provide automated systems to capture, treat and repurpose livestock waste. Properly managed animal waste can become a valuable resource for energy generation and crop production, supporting a circular agricultural economy,” he said.
He added that FACCO West Africa’s solutions also extend to piggery and dairy operations, with intelligent feeding systems, housing infrastructure and animal-friendly designs aimed at boosting productivity while reducing operational costs.
According to him, animal welfare directly influences productivity, product quality and long-term profitability.
“An animal-friendly and properly managed environment enhances growth, increases milk yield and reduces disease risks. This is how a resilient and competitive livestock sector is built,” he said.
Adelayo further highlighted the role of greenhouse technologies and protected crop systems in supporting livestock production through reliable feed and input supply.
He said the company offers end-to-end support, from design and installation to after-sales service, enabling farmers and agribusinesses to adopt modern systems with confidence.
“Our role extends beyond equipment supply. We work with farmers to develop customised solutions aligned with their scale, goals and operating environment,” he said.
Adelayo stressed that closing Nigeria’s protein gap would require sustained investment in local manufacturing, technology adoption and integrated agricultural systems as the country’s population grows.
“Indigenous manufacturing is central to food sovereignty. Producing locally reduces costs, builds technical capacity, creates jobs and ensures solutions are tailored to local realities,” he said.
He expressed optimism that with supportive policies and stronger private-sector collaboration, Nigeria could emerge as a regional hub for livestock production and agricultural technology in West Africa.
“The future of livestock in Nigeria lies in innovation, mechanisation and sustainability. By aligning these pillars, we are not just transforming farms; we are building a healthier nation,” Adelayo said.(NAN)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
