NIGERIA, DENMARK DEEPEN LIVESTOCK TIES AS NEW PARTNERSHIP DEAL TARGETS FOOD SECURITY, DISEASE CONTROL

..... As Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development Ministry describes the partnership as a “renewed commitment to delivering measurable outcomes” for farmers, regulators, processors, and consumers.

..... Says "the collaboration has already yielded tangible results in capacity building and institutional strengthening.

The Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Denmark have strengthened bilateral cooperation in livestock development with the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) for Phase II of the Strategic Sector Cooperation (SSC) Programme, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector through innovation, improved animal health systems, and enhanced food safety.

The agreement, signed on Sunday in Abuja between the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, sets the stage for deeper technical collaboration focused on sustainable livestock production, disease prevention, and strengthening regulatory systems across the value chain.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the partnership as a “renewed commitment to delivering measurable outcomes” for farmers, regulators, processors, and consumers, noting that the collaboration has already yielded tangible results in capacity building and institutional strengthening.

According to him, more than 100 Nigerian officials have benefited from training programmes covering food and feed safety management, veterinary regulation, antimicrobial resistance control, climate adaptation strategies, and animal disease surveillance. He also announced the rollout of a joint antimicrobial resistance pilot programme in Oyo and Kano States as part of ongoing interventions.

Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, said Phase II of the programme would shift focus from institutional development to practical implementation, with emphasis on field-based interventions, biosecurity, disease surveillance, and direct support to livestock farmers and value chains.

Also speaking, Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Eva Edwards, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening collaboration on feed safety, traceability systems, veterinary drug regulation, and data sharing to ensure a more resilient food safety framework.

Representing the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, Project Manager Alex Sigersen commended Nigerian institutions for their commitment, expressing optimism that the next phase would translate technical cooperation into measurable benefits for farmers and the wider livestock industry.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry, representatives of NAFDAC, and officials from the Danish Embassy and veterinary authorities, underscoring the strategic importance of the partnership to both nations.

The Phase II SSC Programme is expected to accelerate livestock transformation, boost food and nutrition security, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global agricultural market.

Pictures at the event