As part of efforts to consolidate gains and ensure the sustainability of ongoing reforms in the livestock sector, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, says strategic partnerships remain central to achieving long-term transformation and institutional stability in the sector.
Speaking on Wednesday 6th May, 2026, while receiving a delegation from the UK-funded SPRiNG Programme, led by its Team Leader, Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, the Minister commended the Programme for its timely and impactful support.
“Your technical assistance came at a critical time and has had a catalytic effect on our ability to stabilise and deliver. What is important now is to sustain these gains and translate them into long-term outcomes,” the Minister stated.
He further acknowledged SPRiNG’s contributions to peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected areas, noting that improved stability directly enhances productivity within the livestock sector.
“What you are doing in the peace and security space is impactful. As peace improves, productivity follows, and that is critical for the sector,” he said.
Mukhtar also highlighted the Programme’s role in strengthening the Ministry’s communication systems, describing the support as instrumental in improving stakeholder engagement and message clarity.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to a long-term partnership, he stated, “This collaboration must be continuous and evolving. Sustainability is key, and we expect our partnerships to grow in scope and impact as the Ministry expands its mandate.”
Earlier, Dr. Ukiwo reaffirmed the Programme’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s livestock transformation agenda through expanded collaboration in key areas. “Over the past year, we have initiated a number of interventions with the Ministry. As we move into a new programming phase, it is important to take stock and align with the Ministry’s priorities going forward,” he said.
He noted that SPRiNG’s interventions have covered peace and security initiatives, development of the Ministry’s strategic communication framework, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building efforts.
“We are here to explore how we can build on existing gains and expand our support in ways that deliver measurable and sustainable impact,” he added.
The meeting further identified priority areas for continued collaboration, including enhanced support for peacebuilding initiatives, development of livestock data systems, and the implementation of animal identification and traceability through pilot tagging programmes in selected states, which will serve as models for nationwide scale-up.
Additional focus areas include targeted programmes for women and youth within the livestock ecosystem to drive inclusive growth, improve productivity, and strengthen sector governance.
Henrietta Okokon
Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations
6th May, 2026
