Belgium Moves to Strengthen Ties With Nigeria’s Livestock Ministry Through Technology and Vaccine Partnerships

Belgium has expressed strong interest in partnering with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Livestock Development on technology-driven solutions, vaccine production, cold chain systems, and artificial intelligence tools for livestock traceability.

Source: westernpost

During a courtesy visit to the minister in Abuja, Belgium’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, described the newly created ministry as a “special partner,” noting that its establishment highlights the priority Nigeria now gives to livestock as a distinct sector. He revealed that a Belgian trade mission focused on agriculture and food — including cold chain innovations — will visit Nigeria from November 3 to 7. According to him, Belgian start-ups are developing cooling technologies for milk and other perishables, alongside waste-to-energy solutions that could benefit Nigeria’s livestock value chains.

Leenknegt also spotlighted a Brussels-based firm, Neotex, which has developed an artificial intelligence system for animal identification already tested in Kenya. The technology, he said, could help Nigeria improve livestock traceability, boost access to credit through cattle-backed collateral, and tackle cattle rustling. “Nigeria is already ahead of many African countries in recognizing the importance of animal identification, and this opens up exciting opportunities for cooperation,” he noted.

In response, Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, welcomed Belgium’s proposals and described the visit as a milestone in Nigeria-Belgium relations, which stretch back to 1961. He explained that Nigeria’s livestock industry, valued at over $32 billion, is projected to grow to $74 billion by 2035 with the support of the new ministry and the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy. “With over 200 million people, including 65 million youth, Nigeria is Africa’s largest market,” Maiha said. “We are determined to build a modern, resilient, and competitive livestock industry that ensures food security, creates jobs, and reduces poverty.”

The minister identified key areas where Belgium’s expertise could make a difference. Nigeria produces just 20 million of the 850 million vaccine doses it requires annually, leaving a vast gap that Belgian investors could help fill through local manufacturing. He also pointed to the Belgian Blue, a globally renowned beef breed, as a model for Nigeria’s red meat industry, while emphasizing the need for AI-powered traceability systems to strengthen food safety and certification standards.

Maiha further sought Belgian support in dairy development, animal husbandry equipment, and training programs covering cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. He also announced a new initiative targeting 1,000 youths per state — half of them women — to participate in livestock value chains ranging from breeding and processing to aggregation and marketing.

“Our doors are open for business and partnerships,” the minister affirmed. “We look forward to welcoming Belgian companies during the trade mission and exploring follow-up engagements, especially in vaccine production and livestock genetics.”