Denmark, Egypt to invest in livestock sector 

Nigeria’s livestock sector has begun attracting significant international attention, as the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of Denmark have expressed interest in partnering with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to drive transformation and growth in the industry.

The Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Fouad, who dropped the hint during a courtesy visit to congratulate the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Muktar Maiha, on his appointment in Abuja, highlighted the readiness of his country to collaborate with Nigeria in modernising the livestock sector.

The proposed partnership would leverage Egypt’s expertise to advance key areas such as breeding, feed production, and animal health.

SIMILARLY, the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, leading a high-powered delegation of chief executives of leading Danish livestock companies operating in Nigeria visit to the ministry, commended the foresight of President Bola Tinubu for establishing the ministry.

The envoy observed that the creation of the ministry was indicative of a deep understanding of the needs of Nigeria and the strategic vision to address them.

Managing Director of Arla Foods, Peder Pederson who also spoke during the working visit, pointed out that Nigeria’s huge market of over 200 million people offers a rare opportunity for investment in the diary sub-sector, adding that his organisation has been in the country for several years, contributing to its agricultural development.

He requested that dairy products such as milk should be incorporated into the nation’s school feeding programme.

The ambassador extended an invitation to the minister and his team to visit Denmark for a firsthand experience of his countray’s advanced livestock systems, promising to “organise a great visit” for the minister.

Responding, the minister expressed Nigeria’s openness to collaborations that would unbundle, diversify, and improve the livestock sector’s capacity to meet local and international demands.