Nigeria, Denmark Sign New Deal to Strengthen Livestock Sector

Nigeria and the Kingdom of Denmark have signed a new cooperation agreement to deepen collaboration in livestock development and improve food security, animal health and agricultural innovation.

The agreement, signed in Abuja, marks the second phase of the Strategic Sector Cooperation Programme on Livestock Production between Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and Denmark’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the partnership is designed to deliver benefits to livestock producers, processors, regulators and consumers across the country.

According to the minister, the first phase of the programme trained more than 100 Nigerian officials in areas including food and feed safety, disease surveillance, veterinary regulation, antimicrobial resistance management and climate adaptation.

Maiha also announced the introduction of a joint antimicrobial resistance pilot programme in Oyo and Kano states.

Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, said the new phase of the programme will focus on practical implementation, including disease prevention, biosecurity, surveillance systems and support for livestock farmers and value chains.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation in food safety, feed management, veterinary drug regulation and data sharing.

Officials from both countries expressed confidence that the renewed partnership would strengthen Nigeria’s livestock industry and deliver lasting benefits to farmers and communities.