Nigeria’s livestock sector is set for a major boost as the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development deepens international partnerships to modernize the industry.

During a courtesy visit to the Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, pledged his country’s readiness to collaborate with Nigeria in key areas including technology transfer, cold chain management, vaccine production, genetic improvement, and artificial intelligence solutions for livestock traceability.

The envoy noted that Belgium’s upcoming trade mission to Nigeria (November 3–7, 2025) will focus on agriculture and food systems, with innovations in cooling technologies, dairy solutions, and AI-driven animal identification systems already tested in Kenya. The technology could help Nigeria strengthen livestock traceability, curb cattle rustling, improve food safety certification, and even allow herders to use cattle as collateral for credit.

Dr. Maiha described the partnership as a milestone in Nigeria-Belgium relations and reaffirmed Nigeria’s ambition to grow its $32 billion livestock sector to over $74 billion by 2035 through the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy. He emphasized that with Nigeria’s population of over 200 million people, the livestock industry has enormous potential to create jobs, reduce poverty, and enhance food security.

The minister outlined priority areas for collaboration:

• Vaccine production: Nigeria requires 850 million doses annually but currently produces just 20 million. Local vaccine partnerships are urgently needed.
• Genetic improvement: Interest in the Belgian Blue cattle breed as part of the red meat industry transformation.
• Traceability and digital solutions: AI tagging for better data collection and compliance with global standards.
• Dairy development & training: Capacity building across cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, with a special focus on women and youth.

At the National Livestock Transformation Dialogue, Dr. Maiha also praised ABIS Livestock Academy for investing in abattoir modernization, cold storage, and structured meat distribution. The initiative is expected to create over 36,000 jobs and enhance Nigeria’s export competitiveness through sustainable practices such as biogas energy.

He further announced the launch of a Provisional Initiative for Women and Youth in Livestock, targeting 1,000 young Nigerians in every state to engage in livestock value chains from pasture to processing.

“These partnerships mark a new era for Nigeria’s livestock sector,” Maiha said. “With innovation, investment, and international collaboration, we are building a modern, resilient, and globally competitive livestock industry.”