Daniel Adaji
The Federal Government has begun discussions with Heifer International to strengthen collaboration aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector and expanding economic opportunities for farmers.
The talks followed a courtesy visit by the organisation’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Surita Sandosham, to the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, in Abuja on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the minister described the visit as timely, noting that Nigeria is entering a new phase of livestock development driven by reforms and strategic partnerships.
Maiha said Nigeria possesses one of the largest livestock populations in Africa and remains the continent’s biggest market for animal products. With a population of more than 240 million people and rising demand for meat, dairy, poultry and leather products, he said the sector offers vast opportunities for investment and growth.
He explained that the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development reflects the government’s commitment to reposition the sector as a major driver of food security, rural development and economic diversification.
The minister also highlighted the government’s roadmap, the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), which focuses on modernising production systems, strengthening animal health and breeding infrastructure, expanding feed systems and building competitive livestock value chains.
Sandosham, on her part, commended the Federal Government’s vision and reaffirmed Heifer International’s readiness to support the transformation agenda.
She said through the Naija Unlock Signature Programme, the organisation aims to help more than two million Nigerian households achieve sustainable living incomes by 2030, stressing that strong government partnership will be critical to achieving the goal.
According to her, the partnership could also help expand dairy productivity, strengthen veterinary services, support youth-led livestock enterprises and create new opportunities for women and rural communities.
