Nigeria is exploring a partnership with U.S.-based non-governmental organization Heifer International to modernize its livestock sector and boost productivity, officials said Friday.
The discussions, announced by the Ministry of Livestock Development, focus on technical cooperation and the adoption of sustainable livestock production models. Officials said the move aligns with Nigeria’s goal of doubling national milk production to 1.4 million tons by 2030.
Heifer International, which has operated in Nigeria since 2021, already implements programs supporting smallholder farmers, rural communities, and market access initiatives. Its flagship program, “Naija Unlock,” aims to increase food self-sufficiency and enhance incomes for low-income households, targeting key value chains such as rice, poultry, and tomatoes.
According to the ministry, Surita Sandosham, president of Heifer International, expressed the organization’s readiness to act as a technical partner to the Nigerian government. Areas of potential cooperation include dairy productivity, community-based veterinary services, animal health, and youth-led livestock enterprises.
“The partnership will help strengthen Nigeria’s livestock sector, improve productivity, and ensure sustainable practices that benefit rural communities,” a ministry spokesperson said. “This is part of our broader effort to increase domestic milk production and enhance food security nationwide.”
The initiative comes as Nigeria seeks to modernize its livestock systems, introducing new technologies, improving veterinary services, and supporting smallholder farmers to meet rising domestic demand for dairy and meat products. By combining technical expertise from international partners with local knowledge, authorities hope to raise yields, improve efficiency, and promote environmentally sustainable practices.
This effort complements a trilateral partnership Nigeria joined in February with Brazil and the United Kingdom under the “Trilateral Initiative for Climate-Smart Livestock Systems,” designed to boost cattle productivity using innovative technologies. Together, these programs aim to strengthen the livestock sector, promote climate-resilient practices, and support rural livelihoods.
Nigeria’s livestock sector remains a critical component of food security and rural development. The government has identified dairy expansion as a priority to reduce dependence on imports, improve nutrition, and generate income opportunities for farmers. Officials say partnerships with organizations such as Heifer International provide technical expertise, training, and capacity-building needed to achieve these ambitious objectives.
Heifer International brings experience in implementing community-based livestock projects that emphasize sustainability, inclusivity, and market integration. Its involvement is expected to support Nigeria’s push to create more productive, climate-resilient, and economically viable livestock systems.
The ministry indicated that further discussions would outline the scope of collaboration, define pilot projects, and establish monitoring frameworks to track progress. Both parties expressed optimism that the partnership could transform Nigeria’s livestock sector, create jobs for youth, and enhance rural prosperity.
“The modernization of our livestock industry is a national priority,” the ministry said. “By working with trusted international partners, we are ensuring that our farmers can adopt modern techniques, access better veterinary care, and increase production in a sustainable and profitable way.”
Nigeria expects that technical support, coupled with investment in infrastructure, training, and market access, will help meet growing domestic demand for milk and meat products, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen the country’s position as a leading agricultural producer in Africa.
