Egypt and Denmark have pledged to collaborate with Nigeria to drive transformational growth and modernize the country’s livestock sector. This commitment was made during a meeting in Abuja between the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Fouad, the Danish Ambassador, Jens Hansen, and Mukhtar Maiha, Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Fouad highlighted Egypt’s intention to leverage its expertise to enhance critical areas such as animal breeding, feed production, and health management. “We see great potential in Nigeria’s livestock sector and are ready to share our knowledge and resources to support its growth,” he said.
Similarly, Ambassador Hansen commended President Bola Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a visionary move to address Nigeria’s agricultural needs. “Establishing this ministry reflects a deep understanding of Nigeria’s priorities and a strategic plan to transform its agricultural landscape,” Hansen remarked.
Hansen was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Peder Pederson, Managing Director of Arla Foods, producers of Dano Milk. Pederson emphasized Nigeria’s immense potential in the dairy subsector, noting that the country’s population of over 200 million presents a significant market opportunity. He added that Arla Foods has long contributed to Nigeria’s agricultural development and is committed to furthering its investments in the region.
Minister Maiha expressed Nigeria’s openness to collaborations aimed at diversifying and strengthening the livestock sector. He outlined the ministry’s priorities, including the establishment of advanced laboratories for indigenous breed improvement, feed cultivation initiatives, and international partnerships to enhance capacity building.
“We are eager to modernize Nigeria’s livestock industry through meaningful collaborations,” Maiha stated. “Our vision is to create a thriving sector that supports food security, generates employment, and drives economic growth.”
The minister emphasized that the creation of the livestock ministry signals the government’s commitment to repositioning the sector as a key driver of national development.
The partnership between Egypt, Denmark, and Nigeria is expected to pave the way for increased investment and innovation in the livestock industry, boosting both domestic production and export potential.