Gombe State Signs Livestock Innovation Agreement with New Zealand Firm

News in brief:

-Gombe State has entered a livestock innovation partnership with New Zealand’s Livestock Innovation Corporation.

-The agreement covers digital livestock management, genetics research and climate-responsive farming.

Gombe State has signed a livestock innovation agreement with New Zealand-based Livestock Innovation Corporation (LIC) as part of efforts to improve productivity, sustainability and data-driven livestock management.

The agreement followed a two-day technical engagement in Hamilton, New Zealand, where a Gombe State delegation led by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya toured LIC facilities and discussed collaboration frameworks.

According to a statement from the governor’s media office, the memorandum of understanding covers cooperation in digital livestock management tools, sustainable production systems and climate-responsive farming approaches.

The agreement also provides for joint research initiatives with Gombe State University, including work in animal genetics and biotechnology. This includes the assessment of dairy and beef genetic materials developed in New Zealand for suitability in local production systems.

Agreement Aligns with State and Federal Livestock Reforms

Governor Yahaya stated that the partnership complements Gombe State’s agricultural policies, which prioritise efficiency, modernisation and long-term output growth in livestock farming.

He added that the collaboration aligns with ongoing federal reforms aimed at restructuring the livestock sector under the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who witnessed the signing, said the agreement reflects the administration’s policy direction focused on structured investment, environmental sustainability and measurable economic outcomes.

New Zealand Firm Highlights Practical Implementation Focus

On the New Zealand side, LIC International Dairy Development Manager, Jason Schrier, described the agreement as a practical working model that connects technical expertise with a state-led livestock reform programme.

Schrier said the partnership is designed to support livestock producers through improved data systems, enhanced herd management practices and sustained advisory services over time.

Founded in 1909, Livestock Innovation Corporation is a farmer-owned organisation providing genetic services, farm software and technical support to dairy producers across several regions.

Federal Livestock Transport Reforms Provide Wider Context

The Gombe State agreement follows earlier federal announcements in October 2025 on plans to standardise livestock transportation nationwide.

At the time, Minister Maiha said the ministry was preparing to introduce specially designed vehicles to transport animals under cleaner and more regulated conditions.

He explained that livestock movement would be restricted to transporters registered under a new digital tracking system being developed by the ministry.

The platform is being built in partnership with OneServe Technologies Limited to centralise data across the livestock value chain. Ministry officials said meetings held in Abuja focused on reviewing development milestones and planning the next phase of implementation.

Maiha also disclosed that data collection is ongoing to map abattoirs across the country, including their operational status, capacity levels and working conditions.