The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has disclosed new milestones in international cooperation after Nigeria’s participation at the 3rd Nigeria-Belgium-Luxembourg Business Forum held from October 22 to 24, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. Nigeria was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, who delivered a keynote speech titled “Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Agribusiness and Livestock Development Between Nigeria and the Benelux Region.”
Dr. Akujobi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the livestock industry through the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy. She called on Belgian and Luxembourg investors to explore opportunities in beef, dairy, poultry, small ruminants, piggery, honey production, animal health, feed and fodder development, and cold-chain logistics. According to her, Nigeria remains open for investment that supports modern agriculture and livestock systems.
A major outcome of the engagement was the endorsement of the Nigeria–Belgium–Luxembourg Livestock Investment and Cooperation Platform. The Ministry explained that the Platform is designed to strengthen public and private partnerships, promote capacity building, drive technology transfer, and support development of profitable livestock ventures. Dr. Akujobi stated, “This collaboration marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s livestock development agenda. The Platform will serve as a bridge for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and sustainable investments that benefit all partners.”
Belgium’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Pieter Leenknegt, highlighted shifting trade patterns between both countries. He noted that cocoa has surpassed crude oil as Nigeria’s leading export to Belgium. He described this development as proof of Nigeria’s movement toward a post-fossil economy, rising agricultural competitiveness, and better prospects for stronger economic cooperation.
President of the Nigeria-Belgium-Luxembourg Business Forum, Mr. Jacques Massart, praised Nigeria’s youthful population, saying it is driving global innovation from FinTech to AgriTech, artificial intelligence to clean energy, bio-agriculture and smart health. Massart added that combining Belgian precision with Nigerian ambition creates a pathway for shared prosperity and sustainable development.
