Nigeria, Brazil launch partnership to transform livestock sector

By Kunle Sanni –

Nigeria’s livestock sector is poised for transformation under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with over two billion poultry birds and millions of cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs set to benefit from a new strategic partnership with Brazil.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed the plan on Tuesday during the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue in Abuja, calling it a critical step toward revitalising Nigeria’s livestock value chain.

“No ministry today in Nigeria is better placed to express the full meaning of Renewed Hope than the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development,” Maiha said, noting that the initiative would enhance food security, modernise animal husbandry, and generate jobs.

Nigeria’s current livestock population includes 58 million cattle, 124 million goats, 60 million sheep, 9.3 million pigs, and more than two billion poultry birds. The partnership aims to improve their health, productivity, and economic value.

Two key focus areas have been agreed with Brazil: genetic improvement through advanced breeding techniques, and comprehensive animal health systems to tackle diseases, especially following Nigeria’s recent declaration as free from Foot and Mouth Disease.

Maiha emphasised the role of private sector collaboration, citing Brazilian agribusiness firms like Rampa as key partners in implementing the reforms and ensuring measurable outcomes across the livestock sector.

He highlighted that the National Economic Council has approved a National Livestock Growth Strategy targeting a near-doubling of the sector’s value — from $32 billion to $74 billion within five years.

The Minister, who recently attended the Brazil-Africa Dialogue in Brasília, said the partnership with Brazil marks a new era for sustainable livestock development in Nigeria.