Nigeria's Brazil, UK Partnership to Boost Livestock Industry

News in brief:

-Nigeria joins Brazil and the UK in a climate-smart livestock partnership focused on digital innovation and productivity.

-This initiative promotes AI-driven monitoring systems, animal welfare and climate resilience to transform the livestock sector.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) has described the trilateral partnership between Nigeria, Brazil and the United Kingdom as a strategic initiative to enhance livestock productivity, drive food sufficiency, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha disclosed this during a courtesy visit by representatives of the UK–Brazil–Nigeria Trilateral Initiative for Climate-Smart Cattle Systems, also known as Livestock 247, in Abuja.

Maiha said the initiative is designed to improve livestock productivity through enhanced animal welfare, stronger climate resilience and the integration of emerging digital market technologies, including AI and data-driven decision support systems.

He explained that the project will assess near-market digital livestock innovations such as smart collars, sensor systems, environmental monitoring tools and digital test records. It also seeks to strengthen digital surveillance and precision animal health systems using data-enabled approaches.

“Nigeria intends to leverage international best practices and adapt proven systems similar to those in Europe, while prioritising technological advancement and collaboration to transform the domestic livestock industry,” the minister said.

Leveraging Digital Technology and AI

Speaking for the delegation, epidemiologist Professor Alex Cook said digital technologies that have transformed daily life are now capable of revolutionising the livestock sector.

He noted that monitoring devices attached to animals, remote video surveillance systems and environmental sensors can generate real-time data beyond traditional observation methods.

“If we integrate this information into a shared data platform and apply machine learning and artificial intelligence, we can generate rapid insights to improve feeding systems, enhance productivity, build resilience, increase profitability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities,” Cook said.

Cook highlighted Brazil’s transformation of its livestock sector over the past three to four decades, noting its significant contribution to national economic growth. He added that climatic and ecosystem similarities between Brazil and parts of Nigeria present strong opportunities for knowledge exchange.

While acknowledging differences between UK and Nigerian livestock systems, he said the United Kingdom offers expertise in data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence to support the partnership.

He expressed confidence that the combined strengths of the three countries would accelerate modernisation and sustainable growth within Nigeria’s livestock industry.

The meeting was attended by directors, heads of departments and the Special Assistant to the Minister.