Daniel Adaji
The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind a consortium of Egyptian investors planning to establish feed and pasture production centres across Nigeria, in a bid to close the country’s biggest gap in livestock development: affordable, quality animal feed.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, gave the assurance on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by representatives of Nutrivet Misr LLC of Egypt and K.K. Kingdom Limited to his office in Abuja. The group presented a proposal for collaborative feed production and livestock nutrition initiatives.
Maiha described feed as the nation’s “biggest gap and greatest opportunity” in livestock transformation, insisting that improving animal nutrition is essential to unlocking the sector’s full potential. According to him, “feed is the solution,” noting that better nutrition and health management could raise milk yield from one or two litres to as much as eight litres per day.
“We will work with you all the way,” the Minister assured. He said the government would provide a conducive policy environment and work with state governments to set up demonstration farms and milk collection centres across the country.
Maiha added that the partnership should also prioritise extension services, genetic conservation, and the inclusion of creep feed and specialised formulas for small ruminants to serve diverse livestock needs.
“Nigeria is Africa’s largest livestock market, and we must use this opportunity to strengthen our feed base, enhance productivity, and generate employment,” he said.
The visiting investors expressed confidence that their proven model already delivering results in Egypt could significantly accelerate livestock growth in Nigeria. They commended the Minister’s leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to a long-term and sustainable agricultural partnership between both countries.
