Nigeria and Uganda are exploring opportunities for technical cooperation and knowledge exchange to boost livestock productivity, improve value addition and expand intra-African trade.
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this on Thursday, October 15th, 2026, when he received the Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Philip Odida and his delegation on a courtesy visit to the Ministry.
Maiha noted that Uganda’s expertise in dairy production, indigenous animal breed improvement, animal health management and livestock productivity offered valuable lessons for Nigeria as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to transform the livestock sector.
He particularly highlighted Uganda’s progress in milk production and dairy self-sufficiency, stressing that improved animal genetics, feeding systems and disease management could provide valuable insights for Nigeria’s livestock development agenda.
“I am fascinated by the performance of Uganda’s indigenous breeds and the progress the country has made in dairy production. This is one area where I believe Nigeria has a lot of opportunities to learn,” Maiha said.
The Minister explained that stronger cooperation between both countries could facilitate knowledge sharing, strengthen livestock value chains and create opportunities for mutually beneficial business partnerships.
He also emphasised the importance of promoting intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that closer collaboration between Nigeria and Uganda could open new markets for livestock products and attract investments into the sector.
In his remarks, the Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Philip Odida, reaffirmed the longstanding cordial relations between both countries and expressed Uganda’s interest in exchanging knowledge and expertise in livestock development.
The delegation identified potential areas of collaboration to include dairy processing, animal nutrition, improved livestock genetics and the development of export-oriented livestock products.
Business representatives at the meeting also expressed interest in exploring opportunities to process surplus milk into powdered milk and other value-added products for regional markets.
The meeting was attended by Uganda’s Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Dr Bhoi Omara Sam; Directors and Senior Special Assistants to the Minister; the President of the Nigeria-Uganda Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Industry, Chief Michael Awunor; as well as business executives and other livestock-sector stakeholders.
