By Danjuma Amodu | February 23, 2026
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) are exploring a partnership to enhance food security in Nigeria. A delegation from the NAF, led by Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, visited the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, to discuss potential areas of collaboration.
The Minister welcomed the initiative, highlighting food security’s importance in national security and operational readiness. “The increasing participation of our Armed Forces in livestock development demonstrates a clear understanding that food security is national security,” he stated.
He stressed that sustainable food systems are critical to maintaining personnel welfare, health, and combat readiness, noting modern threats extend beyond armed conflict. “There is no way you can sustain combat readiness if the integrity of what your officers and men consume is uncertain. Food security is national security,” he noted.
The Ministry has inventoried 417 grazing reserves (approx. 5 million hectares) and is implementing a structured settlement model to boost productivity, ensure biosecurity compliance, and establish disease-free zones. “Each grazing reserve will be a disease-free zone, fundamental to accessing premium international markets for Nigerian red meat,” he added.
Nigeria aims to tap into the multi-billion-dollar Gulf red meat market, enhancing competitiveness through partnerships. The Ministry assured NAF of technical advisory services, capacity building, veterinary support, and policy integration.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet commended the Federal Government for establishing the Ministry, highlighting reforms like international engagements, vaccine regulation, and National Livestock Centres. NAF launched a 2,000-hectare farm initiative in 2021, seeking Ministry support in training, breed access, veterinary services, and programme integration.
The Pioneer Managing Director of NAF Farms, Air Vice Marshal Abdulrasheed Kotun, outlined plans for an Abuja pilot agricultural estate with cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry, supported by advanced security infrastructure. The partnership aims to enhance Nigeria’s global red meat market competitiveness and contribute to economic growth.
