FAO, Nigeria collaborate to establish livestock disease-free zones, boost trade
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and Nigeria’s Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) are deepening their partnership to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector, with a strong emphasis on establishing disease-free zones to safeguard animal health and boost trade competitiveness.
During a high-level meeting in Rome, FAO Director-General Dr. QU Dongyu and Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar, discussed strategic interventions to reinforce animal health infrastructure, strengthen disease surveillance, enhance feed and fodder production, and promote breed improvement programmes. Minister Mukhtar underscored that establishing disease-free zones is central to Nigeria’s livestock transformation agenda, as it would not only ensure animal health but also position the country as a credible player in regional and global livestock markets.
The collaboration also aims to revitalise grazing reserves, integrate climate-smart livestock practices, and enhance technical capacities across the livestock value chain. These initiatives are expected to improve productivity, bolster food security, and uplift the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians who rely on livestock for income and nutrition.
Dr. Dongyu reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in achieving international sanitary standards and expanding access to premium export markets. Both parties agreed to collaborate from conceptualisation to implementation to ensure the sustainability and inclusivity of all interventions in line with global best practices.
This renewed collaboration represents a strategic milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of a modern, resilient, and globally competitive livestock sector.
Source: Tribune Online
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The renewed partnership between FAO and Nigeria’s Ministry of Livestock Development is not just a policy alignment — it’s a game-changer for Nigeria’s livestock ecosystem. At its core, this collaboration signals a deliberate shift from crisis management to system transformation — one that could redefine how livestock contributes to the national economy.
- The establishment of disease-free zones stands out as a visionary move that could finally put Nigeria on the global livestock trade map. By meeting international sanitary standards, Nigeria will not only protect its domestic herd health but also unlock access to high-value export markets. This move could attract significant private investment in meat processing, cold-chain logistics, and veterinary services.
- The emphasis on disease surveillance, feed improvement, and breed enhancement addresses the persistent productivity gap that has long held back Nigeria’s livestock sector. With improved animal health and nutrition, smallholder farmers — who make up the backbone of the industry — will experience increased yields, better incomes, and stronger market participation.
- Equally important is the integration of climate-smart livestock practices and the revitalisation of grazing reserves, which can help curb the perennial herder-farmer conflicts. By promoting structured grazing systems and sustainable resource use, Nigeria can mitigate climate pressures while restoring stability to rural communities.
- However, success will depend on effective implementation — particularly the ability to decentralise interventions to state and local levels. Building the capacity of veterinary officers, extension agents, and community-based animal health workers will be key to ensuring the initiative’s long-term sustainability. Private-sector involvement must also be encouraged to finance infrastructure, support feed mills, and scale vaccination campaigns.
Conclusion
This partnership between FAO and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is a bold declaration that Nigeria is ready to elevate livestock from a survival enterprise to a structured, export-ready, and climate-resilient industry. If followed through with strong political will, local ownership, and transparency, the impact will be transformative — not just for the sector, but for rural livelihoods, national food security, and Nigeria’s position in the global agri-food economy.
