Egypt and Denmark on Monday in Abuja pledged commitment to collaborate with Nigeria to drive transformational growth and modernise Nigeria’s livestock sector.

Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Fouad and Jens Hansen, Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, made the commitment when they visited Mukhtar Maiha, Minster of Livestock Development.

Mr Fouad said the partnership would leverage Egypt’s expertise to advance key areas such as breeding, feed production and animal health.

Similarly, Mr Hansen commended the foresight of President Bola Tinubu in establishing the livestock ministry.

He described it as indicative of a deep understanding of the needs of the country and the strategic vision to address them.

Mr Hansen led a high-level delegation which included chief executives of Danish leading livestock companies operating in Nigeria, including the managing director of Arla Foods, producers of Dano Milk, Peder Pederson.

He said Nigeria’s huge market of over 200 million people offered a rare opportunity for investment in the dairy subsector. Mr Pederson said Arla has been in the country for so many years, contributing to its agricultural development.

On his part, the livestock minister said Nigeria was open to collaborations that would unbundle, diversify and improve the livestock sector’s capacity to meet local and international demands.

Mr Maiha outlined the ministry’s priorities as establishing advanced laboratories to enhance indigenous breeds and achieve sufficiency in the cultivation of feed and fodder.

“We are eager to partner on initiatives that will modernise Nigeria’s livestock industry.

“Exchange programmes and capacity-building initiatives will play a vital role in equipping staff to deliver on the ministry’s mandate.

“We are committed to creating a thriving livestock sector that not only supports food security but also generates employment and economic growth,” he said.

Mr Maiha identified the creation of the ministry as a strong signal of the clear intent of the Nigerian government to reposition the sector as a key driver of national development. 

(NAN)