Nigeria, Denmark signs new Livestock cooperation agreement

Nigeria and the Kingdom of Denmark have strengthened their commitment to advancing sustainable livestock development, animal health, food safety, and agricultural innovation through the signing of a new Letter of Intent for Phase II of their Strategic Sector Cooperation Programme.

The agreement, signed in Abuja on 7 June 2026, marks a significant step towards accelerating Nigeria's livestock transformation agenda, improving food and nutrition security, enhancing disease prevention systems, and building a more resilient and globally competitive livestock sector.

Officials described the new phase as a continuation of a successful partnership that has already delivered substantial progress in capacity building. More than 100 Nigerian officials have received specialised training in key areas including food and feed safety, animal disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance management, climate adaptation, and veterinary regulation.

A major outcome of the collaboration is the launch of a joint antimicrobial resistance pilot programme in Oyo and Kano states, aimed at strengthening disease monitoring and promoting responsible livestock production practices.

Under Phase II, the partnership will move beyond institutional development towards practical implementation. Priority areas will include biosecurity enhancement, disease prevention, surveillance systems, and direct support for farmers and livestock value chains. The programme is expected to deliver tangible benefits across livestock production, processing, regulation, and food safety management.

Stakeholders also reaffirmed their commitment to improving traceability systems, feed management, veterinary drug regulation, and data sharing mechanisms to support a more sustainable and resilient livestock industry.

The new agreement underscores growing international cooperation in support of Nigeria's livestock sector and highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in strengthening animal health, boosting productivity, and improving food security across the country.