The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, in collaboration with key development partners, has established a Livestock Sector Donor Working Group (LDWG) to strengthen coordination, improve resource mobilisation, and align donor interventions with Nigeria’s national livestock priorities.
The decision was reached at the Donor and Development Partners’ Workshop on Livestock Development in Nigeria, held in Abuja on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The event, themed “Strengthening Strategic Partnerships for Livestock Transformation,” brought together major international donors, policymakers, and private sector stakeholders.
In his address, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) remains the central roadmap for expanding the livestock sector’s contribution to the national economy. He explained that the plan aims to raise the sector’s GDP contribution from $32 billion to at least $74 billion by 2035 through large-scale private investments and improved production systems.
According to Maiha, the NL-GAS, approved by the National Economic Council, is built on ten strategic pillars designed to remove systemic barriers and attract both local and international investors. He noted that the Federal Government is actively engaging top global meat producers, including JBS, one of the world’s largest meat processing companies, in a potential $2.5 billion investment in Nigeria’s livestock sector.
“At the G20 Summit last year in Brazil, Nigeria secured commitments from leading Brazilian livestock companies, including JBS, one of the world’s largest meat processors. Since our visit to Brazil, I have also visited a number of markets,” he said.
“Our goal is to articulate a clear mission and vision at the macro level, establish a formal engagement framework between the FMLD and global partners, harmonize development-oriented programmes for greater impact and efficiency, and mobilise resources, technology, and expertise to drive sustainable growth in the livestock sector,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, described the creation of the LDWG as a “practical step” toward aligning donor programmes with the NL-GAS framework. She said the initiative will enhance impact measurement, transparency, and coordination across all livestock development programmes.
The Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Dr. Hussein Gadain, commended the Ministry’s leadership, reaffirming FAO’s support for the implementation of the NL-GAS. He said the organisation remains committed to helping Nigeria strengthen food systems and improve rural livelihoods.
Similarly, the Programme Manager of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Dr. Temitayo Omole, praised the Ministry’s renewed focus on livestock health and productivity. He pledged the EU’s continued partnership, especially in disease control, with emphasis on eradicating Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).
Participants at the workshop expressed interest in joining the LDWG, proposed an inauguration plan, and nominated an interim Co-Chair to coordinate preparatory activities ahead of the official launch.
The LDWG will serve as a unified platform for policy alignment, strategic planning, and knowledge sharing among donors, development agencies, and government institutions.
