FAO, Nigeria Deepen One Health Collaboration to Boost Livestock Development. By Raymond Enoch
The FAO Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Hussein Gadain, on Thursday received the Hon. Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and his delegation during a strategic engagement at the FAO Country Office in Abuja.
The meeting reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Nigeria, with both sides committing to new areas of cooperation that will strengthen sustainable livestock production and protect national food security.
Dr. Gadain welcomed the Minister’s visit as a renewed commitment to advancing the One Health approach — an integrated system that recognises the interlinkages between animal health, human health, and environmental safety. According to FAO, this model is essential for tackling emerging diseases, improving production standards, and ensuring resilient food systems.
Alhaji Maiha underscored the government’s priority to modernise livestock value chains, improve veterinary services, and work closely with international partners to reduce threats from animal diseases. He noted that sustainable livestock development is central to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda and critical to economic diversification.
Both parties highlighted the need for coordinated action to support smallholder livestock farmers, strengthen animal health surveillance, and expand technical assistance programmes across the country.
The engagement signals a deepening partnership anchored on FAO’s Four Betters strategy — Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and a Better Life, with implementation focus expected to cut across multiple regions in Nigeria.
The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to operationalise joint programmes, enhance capacity building within livestock institutions, and drive long-term solutions that boost productivity while safeguarding public health.
