Daniel Adaji
Nigeria has entered a trilateral partnership with Brazil and the United Kingdom aimed at transforming its livestock sector through technology, climate-smart systems and global best practices.
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development said the collaboration is designed to boost productivity, strengthen food security, create jobs and drive economic growth across the country.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this in Abuja during a courtesy visit by representatives of the UK–Brazil–Nigeria Trilateral Initiative for Climate-Smart Cattle Systems, also known as Livestock 247.
Maiha explained that the initiative will focus on improving livestock productivity through enhanced animal welfare standards, stronger climate resilience and the integration of emerging digital market technologies, including advanced Artificial Intelligence and data-driven decision support systems.
According to him, the project will identify and assess near-market digital livestock innovations such as smart collars, sensor systems, environmental monitoring tools and digital test records. It will also strengthen digital surveillance and precision animal health systems using data-enabled approaches.
“Nigeria intends to leverage international best practices and adapt proven systems, similar to those in Europe, while prioritizing technological advancement and collaboration to transform the domestic livestock industry,” the Minister stated.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, epidemiologist Alex Cook said digital technologies have reshaped modern life in ways unimaginable two decades ago, noting that similar innovations are now available to revolutionize the livestock sector.
He explained that digital monitoring devices attached to animals, remote video surveillance systems and environmental sensors can generate detailed real-time data far beyond what traditional observation allows.
“If we integrate this information into a shared data platform and apply machine learning and artificial intelligence, we can generate rapid, innovative insights to improve feeding systems, enhance productivity, build resilience, increase profitability, and ultimately reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities,” Cook said.
He pointed to Brazil’s transformation of its livestock production system over the past 30 to 40 years, which significantly boosted its national economy.
According to him, similarities in climate and ecosystems between Brazil and parts of Nigeria offer strong opportunities for knowledge exchange.
While acknowledging that the UK’s livestock systems differ from Nigeria’s, Cook stressed that the UK brings considerable expertise in data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence to strengthen the initiative.
He expressed optimism that the combined strengths of the three nations would deliver measurable improvements in Nigeria’s livestock industry.
Directors, Heads of Departments and the Special Assistant to the Minister were also present at the meeting.
