In a significant move to modernise livestock development in Nigeria, the Ministry of Livestock Development has entered into a strategic partnership with the People Expertise and Excellence Foundation (PEEF).
The collaboration aims to harness innovative solutions, particularly in technology, to boost the livestock industry’s efficiency and sustainability.
The agreement was reached during a courtesy visit by a PEEF delegation to the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha.
The team, led by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Engr. Abdullah Bukar, and the Foundation’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Musa Rabiu, met with the Minister in his office on Friday, outlining areas of collaboration and shared objectives.
Alhaji Maiha, a member of PEEF himself, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that the Foundation’s wealth of expertise can support and enhance the ministry’s existing programmes.
He highlighted the group’s potential to infuse fresh perspectives into livestock management through modern technological interventions.
He further declared the ministry’s readiness to actively support PEEF’s forthcoming Annual Conference scheduled for November 2025, themed “Leveraging Technology for an Improved Livestock Sector in Nigeria.”
As a show of commitment, the minister announced the formation of a joint planning committee comprising representatives from both the ministry and PEEF to ensure effective execution of the conference.
Speaking during the visit, Engr. Bukar described the partnership as a timely step toward knowledge sharing, expressing optimism that it would inspire new models for livestock growth in Nigeria.
He praised the Minister’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and lauded his early strides in steering the ministry in the right direction.
“Our Foundation is passionate about livestock transformation,” Bukar said. “We believe this sector can be a major contributor to economic development if properly structured and supported. That’s why our upcoming conference is focused on digital transformation and the adoption of global best practices tailored to Nigeria’s context.”
He appealed to the ministry for active collaboration and sponsorship, noting that the presence of ministry officials as both participants and panelists at the event would add weight to the discussions.
He added that the conference would complement the ministry’s $2 billion investment drive in the livestock space, suggesting that outcomes from the gathering could play a pivotal role in refining the government’s strategic plans.
Bukar also underlined the significance of embracing a digital culture in livestock management, noting that Nigeria has the manpower and land resources necessary for advancement, but requires the right enablers to catalyse that potential.
Dr. Rabiu, Executive Secretary of PEEF, emphasised that the Foundation has consistently focused on human capital as the foundation of national progress.
While past conferences have explored topics such as education, healthcare, skills development, and the steel sector, the November event marks the Foundation’s first dedicated exploration of livestock development.
According to him, “We’re not just hosting a conference. We are building a platform that brings together academia, business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. This includes the fast-growing number of young startups in the animal husbandry space, who need guidance and structured mentorship.”
Rabiu announced that PEEF would introduce a mentoring initiative tailored for these emerging agripreneurs, helping to nurture new talent and promote innovation in the livestock value chain.
He stressed that the Foundation’s goal is to deliver practical, context-driven solutions that address Nigeria’s unique developmental challenges.
