International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), in collaboration with farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector, has called for stronger partnerships to boost Nigeria’s food ecosystem and drive sustainable economic growth through local sourcing.
The company’s Managing Director, Mr. Carlos Coutiño, made the call in Lagos at the launch of a communique titled “Cheers to Farmers.” He said local sourcing would not only enhance productivity but also advance national economic priorities.
Coutiño stressed that the agricultural sector continues to provide raw materials that sustain production and stimulate rural economies, noting that farmers remain central to food security, livelihoods, and value chain development.
“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,” he said.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, commended IBPLC’s commitment to Nigeria’s backward integration policy through increased local sourcing, agro-industrial partnerships, and MSME support.
“By sourcing raw materials locally, industries like yours are empowering farmers, boosting agro-processing, reducing import dependence, and creating shared prosperity across communities,” Oduwole said, describing the company’s “Cheers to Farmers” initiative as a strong demonstration of corporate citizenship and local content investment.
Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, lauded the company’s sourcing strategy, noting that it proves how private sector players can be powerful enablers of agricultural development.
“IBPLC has shown that agriculture is not just viable but vital for sustainable industrial growth,” Kyari stated.
From the private sector side, Mr. Oyeniyi Oyedele, Chief Executive Officer of Nikoy Nigeria Ltd., one of IBPLC’s pioneer aggregators, highlighted the economic benefits of the initiative, saying farmers now enjoy steady markets and income through the company’s sustained patronage.
Malam Abubakar Kabiru, a sorghum farmer from Kaduna, also shared his experience: “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. The support we have received has improved our livelihoods and given hope to our communities.”
Stakeholders agreed that strengthening local sourcing partnerships is key to boosting food security, rural livelihoods, and sustainable industrial growth in Nigeria.
