By Danjuma Amodu | February 22, 2026
Brazil, Nigeria, and the UK have launched a trilateral partnership to enhance livestock productivity in Nigeria, aiming to achieve food sufficiency, job creation, and economic growth.
The UK–Brazil–Nigeria Trilateral Initiative for Climate-Smart Cattle Systems (Livestock 247) was unveiled during a courtesy visit by the delegation to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Abuja.
Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated that the initiative focuses on improving livestock productivity through enhanced animal welfare, strengthened climate resilience and the integration of emerging digital market technologies, including advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven decision support systems.
The project will identify and assess near-market digital livestock innovations such as smart collars, sensor systems, and environmental monitoring tools and strengthen digital surveillance and precision animal health systems using data-enabled approaches.
“Nigeria intends to leverage international best practices and adapt proven systems, similar to those in Europe, while prioritising technological advancement and collaboration to transform the domestic livestock industry,” Minister Maiha said.
Epidemiologist Professor Alex Cook highlighted Brazil’s success in transforming its livestock production system, contributing significantly to its national economy. He noted that climatic and ecosystem similarities between Brazil and parts of Nigeria provide opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
The partnership is expected to boost Nigeria’s livestock sector, with potential economic gains of over $42 billion in the next decade, improving productivity, animal welfare and climate-smart agriculture. Brazil’s expertise in genetic improvement and embryo transfer technologies will enhance Nigeria’s cattle breeds.
This initiative is part of the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project, aiming to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector through mechanization, creating over 100,000 direct jobs and millions of indirect opportunities.
Nigeria is also collaborating with Israel, the Netherlands, and the UK to develop sustainable pasture production and management technologies, reducing conflicts between farmers and herders.
