Trilateral Partnership Forged in Brussels
Nigeria, Belgium, and Luxembourg have officially endorsed a significant Livestock Investment and Cooperation Platform, marking a new chapter in their economic relations. This endorsement was a major outcome of the 3rd Nigeria-Belgium-Luxembourg Business Forum, which convened in Brussels, Belgium, from October 22 to 24, 2025. The platform is designed to strengthen public and private partnerships, promote capacity building, drive technology transfer, and support the development of profitable livestock ventures across the participating countries.
Strategic Goals and Nigerian Vision
The newly endorsed platform aligns with Nigeria's ambitious goal to grow its livestock sector to an estimated $74 billion by 2035, supported by its National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NLGAS). Nigeria's current livestock industry is valued at over $32 billion. The Permanent Secretary of Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, represented Nigeria at the forum and delivered a keynote address titled 'Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Agribusiness and Livestock Development Between Nigeria and the Benelux Region.' Dr. Akujobi emphasized that the platform will serve as 'a bridge for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and sustainable investments that benefit all partners.'
Areas of Collaboration and Investment Opportunities
The collaboration seeks to attract investments and facilitate technology transfer in various sub-sectors of the livestock industry. Key areas identified for partnership include:
- Beef and Dairy Production
- Poultry and Small Ruminants
- Piggery and Honey Production
- Animal Health and Pharmaceuticals, particularly vaccine manufacturing, where Nigeria faces a significant supply gap
- Feed and Fodder Development
- Cold-Chain Logistics
Forum Context and Future Prospects
The 3rd Nigeria-Belgium-Luxembourg Business Forum, organized with the support of the Embassies of Belgium and Nigeria in Abuja and Brussels, and the Embassy of Luxembourg, focused on 'Solidifying Viable Partnerships for Economic Growth & Sustainability.' Beyond livestock, the forum addressed sustainable investment, digital transformation, and infrastructure development. Nigeria, recognized as Africa's largest economy and consumer market with a population exceeding 220 million, presents a dynamic hub for trade and investment. The President of the Nigeria-Belgium-Luxembourg Business Forum, Mr. Jacques Massart, praised Nigeria's youthful population as a driver of global innovation. This new platform is anticipated to foster robust economic cooperation and contribute significantly to the modernization and growth of Nigeria's livestock sector.
5 Comments
Bermudez
International collaboration like this is exactly what developing nations need. Smart move!
Africa
More debt for Nigeria? We need to be careful about these 'investments'.
Habibi
Boosting livestock to $74 billion is ambitious but achievable with this support. Great vision!
Comandante
While increasing livestock production can boost the economy and food supply, the environmental impact of such large-scale farming needs careful mitigation strategies to prevent future problems.
Mariposa
The platform's goals for economic growth are promising, especially with technology transfer. However, ensuring transparency and equitable distribution of benefits to local farmers will be the real challenge.