AfDB Considers Funding Support for Nigeria’s Livestock Reform

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has hosted a delegation from the African Development Bank Identification Mission in Abuja to conclude discussions on priority areas for possible funding to support transformation of Nigeria’s livestock sector. The delegation was led by Senior Agricultural Development Leader, Dr Damian Ihedioha, marking the end of the mission’s assessment visit to Nigeria.

Maiha said the ministry aims to ensure year-round availability of quality feed and fodder, alongside sustainable water resources, to improve livestock productivity, strengthen resilience and reduce farmer-herder conflicts. He said the proposed interventions are built around six key components.

These include feed, fodder and water supply, animal health services, value chain development and animal breed improvement to support productivity, disease control, genetic improvement and market competitiveness. Other areas are enterprise support programmes for youth and women, expanded access to finance and insurance, and improved institutional capacity and project coordination.

Members of the AfDB delegation expressed optimism about the proposed interventions and said they would explore funding options to support the ministry’s plans for a more productive and commercially competitive livestock sector in Nigeria.