Chidimma Uchegbu -Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and key development partners have established a Livestock Sector Donor Working Group (LDWG) to strengthen coordination, improve resource mobilisation, and align donor interventions with national livestock priorities.
This decision was the major outcome of the Donor and Development Partners’ Workshop on Livestock Development in Nigeria, held in Abuja on Tuesday, 28th October 2025, under the theme “Strengthening Strategic Partnerships for Livestock Transformation.”
In his address, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, reiterated that the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) provides the roadmap to grow the livestock sector’s GDP contribution from $32 billion to at least $74 billion by 2035.
He said the NL-GAS, approved by the National Economic Council, is built on ten strategic pillars designed to remove systemic bottlenecks and attract large-scale private investment.
According to the statement signed by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu stated that Maiha also stressed that Nigeria is open for business, noting that discussions are ongoing with major international players, including JBS, one of the world’s largest meat processors, for 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.
“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 said.
In her welcome remarks, 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 and ensuring better impact measurement and coordination.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Country Representative, Dr. Hussein Gadain, commended the Ministry for providing strategic leadership in advancing livestock transformation and reaffirmed FAO’s readiness to support implementation of the NL-GAS for sustainable food systems and livelihoods.
In the same vein, the Programme Manager, Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria, Dr. Temitayo Omole, applauded the Ministry’s renewed focus on livestock health and productivity, pledging the EU’s continued support, particularly in strengthening disease surveillance and control systems, with emphasis on the eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).
Participating organisations expressed their interest to be part of the LDWG, proposed an inauguration plan, and nominated an interim Co-Chair to coordinate the preparatory activities ahead of the official launch.
The LDWG will serve as a unified platform for information sharing, policy alignment, and strategic planning among donors, development agencies, and government institutions.
