The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the French Development Agency (AFD) to accelerate the transformation of Nigeria’s livestock sector through strategic investments in ranch development, animal health, breed improvement and feed production.
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this known while receiving a delegation from the French Development Agency, led by its Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Jacky Amprou, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday, July 10, 2026.
Maiha said the proposed partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda to modernise the livestock industry and supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s National Ranching Policy. He noted that the Agency has shown strong interest in contributing to the transformation of the sector through sustainable investments and technical cooperation.
According to the Minister, the collaboration will focus on developing selected grazing reserves into demonstration ranches that will serve as proof-of-concept models for modern livestock production. He explained that the initiative is expected to reduce transhumance, improve livestock productivity, enhance animal welfare promote peace, security and sustainable rural development across livestock-producing communities.
Maiha added that the partnership will complement the implementation of key government programmes, 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). He noted that the African Development Bank has also indicated interest in supporting the implementation of these initiatives.
The Minister commended the French Development Agency for its longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, describing the Agency as one of the country’s most reliable development partners. He observed that AFD has maintained a strong presence in Nigeria for more than two decades, supporting projects that have improved agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
He explained that the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development provides a unique opportunity to deepen collaboration with development partners and implement targeted interventions dedicated solely to the livestock value chain.
Maiha highlighted several successful projects implemented by the Agency, including the establishment of milk collection centres, regional livestock development programmes involving Nigeria, Niger and Mali, rural infrastructure development, construction of rural roads and livestock market improvement initiatives.
He also acknowledged AFD as one of the earliest development partners to support the rehabilitation of grazing reserves in Nigeria, citing its intervention in Kwara State as evidence of the Agency’s longstanding commitment to livestock development.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Jacky Amprou reaffirmed the French Development Agency’s readiness to provide both financial and technical support for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s livestock industry.
He said the Agency would leverage the expertise of the wider French development ecosystem and mobilise relevant stakeholders to work closely with the Nigerian Government in implementing projects that will strengthen livestock production and improve the sector’s competitiveness.
Amprou disclosed that the Agency is already implementing several regional initiatives and development projects in Nigeria and expressed its determination to expand those interventions through stronger collaboration with the Ministry.
He explained that the discussions with the Ministry were productive and revealed a shared commitment to advancing the livestock sector. According to him, the next phase of the partnership will involve technical engagements between the Ministry, the French Development Agency and the French Embassy to translate the agreed priorities into concrete programmes and measurable outcomes.
The Country Director commended Minister Maiha and the management of the Ministry for their commitment to transforming the livestock sector, expressing confidence that the partnership would contribute significantly to modernising livestock production, attracting investment, improving rural livelihoods, strengthening Nigeria’s food security and economic growth.
