The Federal Government has announced that the Nigeria’s livestock sector has shift toward data-driven, commercially focused reforms , deepening collaboration with Botswana, one of Africa’s leading beef-exporting nations.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the move is aimed at replacing informal and outdated livestock production systems with structured, evidence-based policies that can boost productivity, strengthen value chains and create sustainable livelihoods for millions of farmers and pastoral households.
Maiha made this known in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Philda Nani Kereng, High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana. He described Botswana’s livestock development journey as a reference point for long-term sector transformation, driven by consistency, strong institutions and export-focused standards.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest consumer market presents significant opportunities to build a globally competitive livestock industry if supported by modern production systems. He said Botswana’s experience in animal disease control, livestock traceability and compliance with international export standards offers valuable insights for Nigeria’s ongoing reforms.
As part of these efforts, Maiha disclosed that the Ministry of Livestock Development plans to rehabilitate and modernise 417 grazing reserves across the country, converting them into organised ranching ecosystems. These facilities are expected to support improved animal genetics, better animal health services, efficient processing systems and improved access to both local and export markets.
He added that the reforms are designed to reposition livestock as a key contributor to Nigeria’s GDP, rural employment and non-oil export earnings, while also enhancing food security and reducing conflict linked to open grazing.
Speaking at the meeting, High Commissioner Kereng said Botswana’s success in beef production and exports especially to the European market was the result of deliberate policy decisions sustained over more than five decades. She explained that livestock development in Botswana is anchored on strong institutions, enforceable regulations and comprehensive farmer support systems rather than short-term interventions.
Kereng noted that beef is Botswana’s second-largest revenue earner after diamonds, supported by strict disease control frameworks, communal land management systems, targeted veterinary services and highly subsidised production inputs that improve productivity.
She identified priority areas for bilateral cooperation, including cattle genetics improvement, modern abattoir and processing operations, disease surveillance and management, veterinary standards, vaccine production, livestock identification and traceability systems, as well as sustainable grazing management.
Both sides agreed that deeper technical collaboration could accelerate Nigeria’s livestock transformation, improve export readiness and strengthen national food security, while opening new commercial opportunities for agribusinesses and private sector players across the livestock value chain.