The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, recently hosted the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Richard M. Mills, Jr., and his team, to explore avenues for collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s livestock sector.

This pivotal meeting underscores the commitment to reinforcing the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the United States, aiming to enhance economic growth and address food security challenges.

Ambassador Mills expressed the U.S. government’s dedication to fostering trade ties between Nigerian livestock producers and American food exporters. As part of this initiative, 25 Nigerian exporters and livestock professionals will receive support to participate in the world’s largest industrial food processing exposition in Atlanta next month. This event, spanning three days, will connect Nigerian stakeholders with global experts, providing a platform to build business relationships and embrace innovative livestock management practices.

The Ambassador also highlighted the critical role of livestock in tackling food insecurity and promoting peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers. He emphasized the potential benefits of collaboration in areas such as genetic improvement, food processing, and the integration of advanced technologies to maximize the livestock sector’s productivity.

In response, Minister Maiha reiterated the Nigerian government’s unwavering dedication to transforming the livestock industry into a modern, competitive, and sustainable sector. He affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of enhancing livestock management to stimulate job creation, drive economic progress, and ensure food security for all Nigerians.

The Minister outlined key priorities for the Ministry, including upgrading the nation’s 417 grazing reserves with essential amenities such as water supplies, educational facilities, healthcare services, marketplaces, and abattoirs. He further detailed plans to improve livestock genetics, strengthen veterinary healthcare, and deploy advanced systems like cattle tagging and traceability to address pressing challenges such as cattle rustling.

“It is our objective to fully utilize the 417 grazing reserves across the country,” Minister Maiha stated. “We aim to restore these areas with necessary inputs, including rangelands, pastures, and water infrastructure, while also providing adequate facilities for the well-being of both livestock and their caretakers.”

The Minister called for enhanced cooperation in research and innovation, particularly in vaccine production and disease management, to boost the overall productivity of the livestock value chain.

Ambassador Mills assured Nigeria of the United States’ readiness to support capacity-building programs for Nigerian livestock professionals, equipping them with global best practices tailored to local needs.

This collaboration represents a significant step towards unlocking Nigeria’s livestock potential, fostering economic opportunities, and promoting sustainable agricultural development.