AWC MDA Desk
Nigeria has taken a decisive step toward transforming its livestock sector with a proposed partnership with the Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) of New Zealand, aimed at boosting productivity, sustainability, and investment across the value chain.
The initiative followed high-level discussions involving the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, and representatives of LIC, one of the world’s leading livestock breeding and dairy development organisations.
The talks centred on leveraging New Zealand’s advanced breeding technologies, dairy development systems, and data-driven livestock management practices to modernise Nigeria’s livestock industry. Officials said the collaboration is designed to address long-standing challenges in animal productivity, health management, and sector efficiency.
Key priority areas identified include structured breeding programmes, deployment of data and technology infrastructure, climate-resilient livestock production, and large-scale capacity building for farmers, technicians, and sector professionals. The partnership is also expected to strengthen animal health services and improve traceability systems, critical for food safety, export competitiveness, and disease control.
Stakeholders at the meeting affirmed that adopting globally tested best practices would unlock new opportunities for farmers and investors, enhance rural livelihoods, and position Nigeria’s livestock sector as a stronger contributor to food security and economic growth.
The engagement underscores Nigeria’s growing focus on strategic international partnerships to accelerate sectoral reforms and build a more productive, resilient, and sustainable livestock industry.
