The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and Heifer International have begun talks to strengthen partnership aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector. The discussions followed a visit by Heifer International’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Surita Sandosham, to the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, in Abuja on Tuesday, 10th March 2026.
The meeting centred on expanding collaboration between the Federal Government and the global development organisation to accelerate reforms, boost livestock productivity, and strengthen Nigeria’s livestock value chains.
Welcoming the delegation, Maiha described the engagement as timely, noting that Nigeria is entering a new phase in the development of its livestock sector driven by strategic reforms and partnerships.
“Our country possesses one of the largest livestock populations in Africa and the largest market for animal products on the continent,” the Minister said.
He explained that Nigeria’s population of more than 240 million people and the increasing demand for meat, dairy, poultry, and leather products present significant opportunities for investment, innovation, and sector growth.
According to him, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to reposition the livestock sector as a key pillar of food security, rural development, economic diversification, and national prosperity.
Maiha also highlighted the Ministry’s strategic framework, the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), which is designed to modernise livestock production systems and strengthen the entire value chain.
“The NL-GAS focuses on modernising production systems, strengthening animal health and breeding infrastructure, expanding feed and fodder systems, and developing competitive livestock value chains,” he stated.
In her remarks, Sandosham commended the Federal Government for its vision and policy direction for the livestock sector and reaffirmed Heifer International’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s transformation agenda.
She revealed that through the organisation’s Naija Unlock Signature Programme, Heifer Nigeria aims to support more than two million households to achieve sustainable living incomes by 2030.
“Such an ambitious goal requires strong government partnership and an enabling policy environment,” she said.
Sandosham added that Heifer International intends to serve as a technical partner to the Government of Nigeria by scaling proven models that improve dairy productivity, strengthen animal health services, and expand community-based veterinary systems.
“We are ready to work closely with the Ministry to support youth-driven livestock enterprises and build sustainable livestock systems that create opportunities for women and young people,” she added.
