FG, Partners Establish Unified Livestock Investment Group

News in Brief:

-The Livestock Sector Donor Working Group (LDWG) will enhance coordination and align donor projects with Nigeria’s NL-GAS.

-Discussions are underway for a $2.5 billion investment by global meat processor JBS in Nigeria’s livestock value chain.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD), in partnership with leading international donors and development organisations, recently launched the Livestock Sector Donor Working Group (LDWG), a unified coordination platform to align investments and interventions with Nigeria’s livestock transformation agenda.

The initiative emerged as a key outcome of the Donor and Development Partners’ Workshop on Livestock Development in Nigeria, held on October 28, 2025, in Abuja, under the theme Strengthening Strategic Partnerships for Livestock Transformation.

Driving Growth Through the NL-GAS Framework

In his keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, reaffirmed that the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) remains the national roadmap for transforming the livestock sector.

He noted that the strategy aims to grow the sector’s GDP contribution from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035, leveraging ten strategic pillars to address systemic bottlenecks and attract large-scale private investment.

“Nigeria is open for business,” Maiha stated, disclosing ongoing discussions 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 value chain.

“Our goal is to establish a formal engagement framework with global partners, harmonise development programmes for greater efficiency, and mobilise resources, technology, and expertise to drive sustainable livestock growth,” he added.

Enhancing Donor Coordination and Impact

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, described the creation of the LDWG as a 'practical step' toward aligning donor initiatives with the NL-GAS framework. She emphasised that the group will enable better coordination, impact measurement, and resource utilisation.

Development Partners Reaffirm Support

The FAO Country Representative, Dr Hussein Gadain, lauded the Ministry’s leadership in advancing livestock transformation, reaffirming FAO’s commitment to supporting the NL-GAS for stronger food systems and improved livelihoods.

Similarly, the EU Delegation’s Programme Manager, Dr Temitayo Omole, commended the Ministry’s renewed focus on livestock health and productivity. He pledged continued EU support for enhancing disease surveillance and control systems, particularly targeting the eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a viral disease affecting small ruminants.

The establishment of the LDWG marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s livestock development journey, signalling stronger collaboration between the government and donors. With unified efforts under the One Health and sustainable transformation agenda, stakeholders are optimistic that the livestock sector will emerge as a key driver of inclusive economic growth, food security, and rural prosperity.