The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, has pledged his country’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Nigeria’s newly created Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, particularly in areas of technology, cold chain management, vaccine production, and artificial intelligence solutions for livestock traceability.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, in Abuja, on Tuesday, Ambassador Leenknegt described the ministry as a “special partner,” noting that it did not exist when he first arrived in Nigeria — a development that underscores the importance Nigeria now attaches to livestock as a standalone sector.
“This is not a routine courtesy call because we do have concrete plans and perspectives in your area of competence,” Leenknegt said. “Later this year, from 3 to 7 November, a Belgian trade mission focused on the agriculture and food sector, including cold chain management, will visit Nigeria. We have start-ups working on cooling solutions for agricultural produce and milk, as well as companies with expertise in agricultural waste-to-energy technologies.”
The envoy also highlighted Belgian innovation in artificial intelligence-based animal identification systems, developed by Brussels-based startup Neotex (Fit for Purpose Technology). The system, already tested in Kenya, could help Nigeria enhance livestock traceability, improve access to credit by using cattle as collateral, and combat cattle rustling.
“There are many potential applications of this technology, and we know Nigeria is already ahead of many African countries in recognizing the importance of animal identification,” the ambassador noted.
In his response, Minister Maiha expressed appreciation for Belgium’s interest and described the visit as a milestone in the long-standing Nigeria-Belgium relations that date back to 1961, just a year after Nigeria’s independence.
He noted that Nigeria’s livestock sector — valued at over $32 billion — is poised for rapid growth following the creation of the dedicated ministry and the launch of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which aims to grow the sector to $74 billion by 2035.
“With over 200 million people and a youthful population of about 65 million under 30, Nigeria represents the largest market in Africa,” the minister said. “We are committed to transforming the sector into a modern, resilient, and globally competitive industry that ensures food security, creates jobs, and reduces poverty.”
Maiha identified several priority areas for collaboration with Belgium, including:
Vaccine production: Nigeria requires about 850 million doses annually but produces only 20 million at its century-old National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Jos. He invited Belgian investors to explore local production opportunities.
Genetic improvement: The minister expressed particular interest in the Belgian Blue, a world-renowned double-muscled beef breed, as part of Nigeria’s red meat industry development.
Traceability technology: AI-powered tagging would support data collection, food safety certification, and ISO 22000 compliance for Nigeria’s emerging red meat value chain.
Dairy and capacity building: He also sought collaboration on dairy breeds, animal husbandry equipment, and training across livestock value chains, including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.
Maiha further announced an upcoming “Provisional Initiative for Women and Youth in Livestock”, targeting 1,000 youths per state — equally split between men and women — to participate in value chains from pasture to market, covering aggregation, processing, breeding, and management.
“Our doors are open for business and partnerships — diplomatic, bilateral, and with development partners,” he said. “We look forward to engaging Belgian companies during the trade mission and possibly visiting Belgium for follow-up discussions, particularly on vaccine production and livestock genetics.”
