By Rukayat Moisemhe

International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), alongside farmers and stakeholders in the agriculture sector have called for stronger partnerships to boost Nigeria’s food ecosystem and drive sustainable economic growth through local sourcing.

Mr Carlos Coutiño, Managing Director, International Breweries Plc, who made the call on Wednesday in Lagos, said it would boost productivity and advance national economic priorities.

Coutiño’s call is contained in a communique titled “cheers to farmers”.

He noted that the agricultural sector had continued to provide raw materials that sustain production and stimulate rural economies, and reiterated the critical role of farmers and allied partners in sustaining Nigeria’s food ecosystem and driving economic growth.

He said that farmers remained central not just to the company’s supply network, but to food security, livelihoods and enhanced value chains.

He emphasised the need to review strategies to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain through local sourcing, with emphasis on boosting food security, rural livelihoods and industrial growth.

Recognising the crucial role farmers played in the brewing process and Nigeria’s economy, Coutiño said: “Our beer is only as good as the people who grow what we brew.

“At International Breweries, we believe in brewing a better world and that starts with our growers.

“We recognise your contribution, but more importantly, we are about strengthening a partnership that is building rural economies and transforming lives.”

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, lauded IBPLC’s leadership in advancing Nigeria’s backward integration policy through increased local sourcing, agro-industrial partnerships, and MSME support.

Oduwole said that local sourcing in brewing aligned strongly with the country’s national agenda of backward integration and rural industrialisation.

She added that the company’s ‘Cheers to Farmers’ initiative was a powerful reminder of the crucial link between industry and agriculture.

“By sourcing raw materials locally, industries like yours are empowering farmers, boosting agro processing, reducing import dependence, and creating shared prosperity across communities.

“International Breweries Plc has demonstrated leadership not only in business growth but also in corporate citizenship, employment creation, and investment in local content, and we salute your efforts for that,” she said.

Similarly, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, also lauded the company’s approach to sourcing, saying it was a proof that private sector actors could be powerful enablers of agricultural development.

Kyari noted that the company had proven that agriculture was not just viable but vital for sustainable industrial development.

Oyeniyi Oyedele, Chief Executive Officer, Nikoy Nigeria Ltd., one of IBPLC’s pioneer aggregators explained the impact of IBPLC’s local sourcing initiative.

Oyedele said a significant effect of the initiative was that farmers were able to benefit economically through the increased and sustained patronage of International Breweries.

Also, Malam Abubakar Kabiru, a sorghum farmer from Kaduna, shared how working within the IBPLC aggregator network had changed his story.

According to him, before IBPLC came into our lives, many of us struggled to find markets for our produce.

“Today we farm with confidence, knowing that our efforts are valued and the support we have received have helped improve our livelihoods and given hope to our communities.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker