The initiative was highlighted during the 2026 Maltina Barley Field Day held in Ringim, Jigawa State, where more than 1,000 smallholder farmers participating in the pilot programme recorded combined yields exceeding 1,000 tons using climate-adapted barley varieties suited to northern Nigeria’s growing conditions.
According to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Breweries, Thibaut Boidin, the company’s long-term goal is to establish a fully integrated local barley supply chain capable of supporting industrial brewing standards.
Boidin said the programme reflects the brewer’s ambition to build a value chain “rooted in Nigerian soil and powered by Nigerian farmers,” while ensuring the grain produced meets the quality requirements needed for malt production.
Research-backed varieties
The push for local barley cultivation follows several years of research collaboration between the Lake Chad Research Institute and Secobra Research. Their joint efforts led to the development and registration in 2024 of three high-yield barley varieties—Traveler, Explorer and Prunella—adapted to Nigeria’s semi-arid climate.
Participating farmers in the pilot programme received improved seeds, fertilisers and technical support through agricultural partners including OCP Africa and Hello Tractor. The arrangement also includes guaranteed off-take agreements from the brewer, ensuring farmers have a ready market for their harvests.
Large cultivation potential identified
A feasibility study conducted under the project identified roughly 400,000 hectares of farmland suitable for barley cultivation across northern states including Jigawa State, Bauchi State, Kano State, Plateau State and Yobe State.
The brewer aims to expand participation to 20,000 farmers by 2030, a target supported by a £330,000 funding package for 2026 from the UK-backed agricultural development programme Propcom+.
Industry outlook
Supply Chain Director at Nigerian Breweries, Federico Agressi, noted that establishing a viable commercial barley industry in Nigeria will require sustained investment and coordination across the value chain.
He emphasised the importance of expanding irrigation infrastructure, farm mechanisation and supportive policies, particularly as manufacturers face persistent foreign exchange pressures tied to the importation of raw materials.
If successfully scaled, the barley initiative could help reduce dependence on imports, improve incomes for thousands of farmers and retain millions of dollars within the Nigerian economy—mirroring the success of earlier localisation efforts in sorghum supply for the brewing sector.