Emmanuel lkpeama
In a significant move aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s livestock sector, Hon Wale Raji, Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, hosted a high-level meeting with delegates from the African Development Bank (AFDB) and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
Investigator news reports that Hon Wale Raji hosted several key officials in his office, including Dr. Akujobi Chinyere Ijeoma, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development; Martin Fregene, Director of the Agriculture & Agro-Industry Department (AHAI) at the African Development Bank (AfDB); Tabi Karikari, Chief Agro-Industry Officer at the Nigeria Country Department (RDNG) of AfDB and Sule Ochai, Senior Consultant for Agricultural Policy in the Agriculture & Agro-Industry Department (AHAI) at AfDB; Ihedioha Onyema Damian, Division Manager of AHAI 1 in the same department at AfDB; and Mbaram Richard-Mark, Embed Advisor for Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships at the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Office.
The discussions, which took place at his office in Abuja on Tuesday 28, January 2025,focused on strategic collaborations to enhance livestock production and agribusiness investments in the country which underscored AFDB’s potential role in providing financial and technical support to modernize Nigeria’s livestock industry, which is crucial for food security, job creation, and economic diversification.
With Nigeria’s growing population and increasing demand for animal protein, stakeholders emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, disease control measures, and innovative funding mechanisms to support livestock farmers.
Hon Raji representing Epe Federal Constituency in Lagos State highlighted the sector’s role in reducing poverty and boosting GDP, stressing that increased AfDB involvement could accelerate the adoption of modern ranching systems, enhance dairy and meat production, and create sustainable value chains.
Investigator now gathered that the discussions also explored policy reforms that would attract private-sector investment and drive long-term growth in the industry.
The outcome of this engagement is expected to lay the groundwork for strategic partnerships that will not only strengthen Nigeria’s livestock economy but also position the country as a major player in Africa’s agribusiness sector.
