Nigeria’s livestock industry is set for a major transformation as the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Kingdom of Denmark express interest in forging strategic partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
The move signals growing international recognition of Nigeria’s efforts to modernize its livestock sector.
The Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Fouad, announced his country’s readiness to collaborate during a courtesy visit to Alhaji Idi Muktar Maiha, the pioneer Minister of Livestock Development.
Congratulating the minister on his appointment, Fouad emphasized Egypt’s expertise in livestock development and expressed interest in advancing areas such as breeding, feed production, and animal health in Nigeria.
In a similar development, Danish Ambassador Jens Ole Bach Hansen led a high-powered delegation of top executives from leading Danish livestock companies to meet with the minister.
During the visit, Hansen commended President Bola Tinubu’s foresight in creating the Livestock Ministry, describing it as a strategic move to address Nigeria’s pressing agricultural challenges.
Highlighting the sector’s potential, Managing Director of Arla Foods, Mr. Peder Pederson, pointed out that Nigeria’s population of over 200 million represents a significant opportunity for investment in the dairy subsector.
Pederson proposed the inclusion of dairy products like milk in Nigeria’s school feeding program to enhance nutrition and boost demand for locally produced dairy goods.
The Danish delegation extended an invitation to Minister Maiha to visit Denmark for a firsthand experience of its advanced livestock systems, pledging to organize a comprehensive tour to showcase Denmark’s innovations.
Responding to both delegations, Maiha affirmed Nigeria’s openness to partnerships aimed at diversifying and modernizing the livestock sector.
He outlined the ministry’s priorities, including the establishment of advanced laboratories, improvement of indigenous breeds, and achieving sufficiency in feed and fodder production.
“We are eager to collaborate on initiatives that will modernize Nigeria’s livestock industry,” Maiha stated, emphasizing the importance of exchange programs and capacity-building initiatives for ministry staff.
He further highlighted the government’s commitment to positioning the livestock sector as a key driver of food security, employment, and economic growth.
“The creation of this ministry underlines the Nigerian government’s determination to make livestock development a cornerstone of our national economic strategy,” he said.
The partnerships with Egypt and Denmark are expected to attract investments, foster innovation, and establish Nigeria as a hub for sustainable livestock production in Africa.