Njemanze Emmanuel, Abuja
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the French Development Agency (AFD) to accelerate the transformation of Nigeria’s livestock sector through strategic investments in breed improvement, animal health and disease management, feed and fodder development, and the implementation of the National Ranching Policy.
The Minister gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from the French Development Agency (AFD), led by its Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Jacky Amprou, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday, 10th July, 2026.
Maiha noted that the Agency had demonstrated strong interest in supporting the Federal Government’s livestock transformation agenda, particularly President Bola Tinubu’s National Ranching Policy.
He explained that the proposed collaboration would focus on developing selected grazing reserves as proof-of-concept ranches aimed at reducing transhumance, improving livestock productivity, and promoting peace, security, and sustainable rural development.
The Minister further disclosed that the partnership would complement the implementation of key sectoral initiatives, including the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), the National Livestock Master Plan (N-LMP), and the Nigeria Livestock Economic Advancement Project (N-LEAP), in which the African Development Bank (AfDB) has also expressed interest in supporting.
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Commending the Agency’s longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural development.
Maiha observed that the French Development Agency has maintained a strong presence in the country’s agricultural sector for over two decades.
He noted that the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development now provides an opportunity for more focused and impactful interventions dedicated exclusively to the livestock value chain.
According to the Minister, AFD has successfully implemented several livestock-related projects across the country, including the establishment of milk collection centres, regional livestock development initiatives involving Nigeria, Niger and Mali, rural infrastructure projects, rural road development, and livestock market improvement programmes.
He also acknowledged the Agency as one of Nigeria’s earliest development partners to support the rehabilitation of grazing reserves, citing interventions in Kwara State as a testament to the enduring partnership between the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Agency.
Speaking during the visit, the Country Director of the French Development Agency in Nigeria, Mr. Jacky Amprou, reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to provide both financial and technical support towards the sustainable development of Nigeria’s livestock sector.
He stated that the Agency would leverage the expertise of the wider French ecosystem and mobilise relevant stakeholders to work closely with the Nigerian Government in advancing the sector.
“We have several regional initiatives and ongoing projects in Nigeria.
“Our objective is to scale up these interventions and further strengthen collaboration between France and Nigeria.
“We had very productive discussions today, and the next phase will involve technical engagements between the Ministry, AFD and the French Embassy to translate these discussions into concrete actions,” Amprou said.
He commended the Minister and the entire management of the Ministry for their commitment and constructive engagement, expressing confidence that the partnership would significantly contribute to the growth and modernisation of Nigeria’s livestock industry.
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