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By Daniel Adaji
The Federal Government, in collaboration with international development partners, has launched a new platform to boost investments and strengthen coordination in Nigeria’s livestock industry.
The Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
The initiative, known as the Livestock Sector Donor Working Group (LDWG), aims to mobilise resources, align donor interventions with national priorities, and accelerate the growth of the livestock sector.
The decision was reached at the Donor and Development Partners’ Workshop on Livestock Development in Nigeria, held in Abuja on Tuesday under the theme “Strengthening Strategic Partnerships for Livestock Transformation.”
The event brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, international organisations, and donor agencies committed to advancing Nigeria’s livestock economy.
Speaking at the workshop, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) serves as the roadmap for transforming the livestock subsector.
He explained that the strategy seeks to grow the sector’s GDP contribution from $32 billion to at least $74 billion by 2035, through ten strategic pillars focused on removing systemic barriers and attracting private investment.
Maiha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investors, revealing that discussions are underway with global players to secure multi-billion-dollar inflows into the sector.
”At the G20 Summit last year in Brazil, Nigeria secured commitments from leading Brazilian livestock companies, including JBS, one of the world’s largest meat processors. Since our visit to Brazil, I have also visited a number of markets.
”Our goal is to articulate a clear mission and vision at the macro level, establish a formal engagement framework between the FMLD and global partners, harmonize development-oriented programmes for greater impact and efficiency, and mobilise resources, technology, and expertise to drive sustainable growth in the livestock sector,” he said.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, described the establishment of the LDWG as a “practical step” towards ensuring that donor programmes are aligned with the NL-GAS framework. She noted that the platform will enhance coordination, improve impact measurement, and streamline donor contributions toward Nigeria’s livestock goals.
Development partners at the event pledged their continued support. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Country Representative, Dr. Hussein Gadain, commended the Ministry’s leadership in driving livestock transformation and reaffirmed FAO’s readiness to support the implementation of the NL-GAS to promote sustainable food systems and rural livelihoods.
The Programme Manager at the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria, Dr. Temitayo Omole, lauded the Ministry’s focus on livestock health and productivity. She assured that the EU would continue to assist Nigeria, particularly in strengthening disease surveillance and control mechanisms, with special emphasis on eradicating Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).
Participants at the workshop also agreed to adopt a roadmap for the official inauguration of the LDWG. They nominated an interim Co-Chair to coordinate preparatory activities and facilitate ongoing consultations among stakeholders.
Once operational, the LDWG will function as a unified platform for policy alignment, information sharing, and strategic planning between the government, development agencies, and donor partners.
It is expected to serve as a catalyst for scaling up private investments and transforming the livestock value chain into a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic diversification and food security agenda.