Nigeria, Brazil Partner To Boost Livestock Genetics, Disease Management

The Federal Government has announced that the partnership between Nigeria and Brazil will bring advanced livestock genetics, modern feeds and fodder, and enhanced disease management practices.

 

The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, stated this at the ongoing Nigeria-Brazil Trade Mission on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

Maiha noted that the collaboration would also facilitate the transportation of animals to the global market.

 

He stated that the government had recently secured a $2.5 billion agreement with Brazil, focusing on advancing livestock production.

 

“We are working to modernise Nigeria’s livestock sector, ensuring it is globally competitive.

“The creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is already triggering significant interest locally and internationally, as investors are keen to tap into Nigeria’s vast agricultural opportunities.

“Our goal is to transform the sector into a vibrant contributor to economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction. We have much to learn from Brazil’s successful agricultural models,” he said.

 

Maiha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening trade and economic collaboration with Brazil, focusing on agricultural and livestock transformation.

 

He emphasised that despite the long-standing relationship and cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil, the trade volume between the two countries remained significantly low.

 

Similarly, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, expressed the ministry’s dedication to establishing a robust framework for trade while fostering collaboration among key stakeholders in agriculture and livestock.

 

Carlos Garcete, the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, announced that a $1.2 billion Memorandum of Understanding on the Green Imperative Programme would be signed with Nigeria in February.

 

Garcete said that under the programme, Brazil would provide tractors and agricultural equipment to boost Nigeria’s agricultural productivity and food security.

 

“Brazil has become Nigeria’s largest buyer of non-oil exports, accounting for over 20 per cent of Nigerian non-oil exports in 2024.

“The $2.5 billion agreement signed between Brazil’s JBS and the Nigerian government will lead to the establishment of six industrial plants in Nigeria, boosting local livestock production, job creation and economic development.

“Our two nations have enormous untapped potential for trade. Brazil views Nigeria as one of its key strategic partners in Africa, and this trade mission will help expand agricultural investments and trade for mutual benefit,” he said. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAN/Oyenike Oyeniyi