Nigeria’s livestock transformation agenda has received a boost as the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Muktar Maiha, and the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jens Ole Bach-Hensen, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture and livestock development.
Speaking at the dairy value chain forum and responsible business conduct workshop in Abuja attended by government officials, investors, development partners, and industry experts, the minister said the gathering reflected strong national and international support for Nigeria’s livestock reforms.
Alhaji Idi Maiha described the forum as “the Nigerian version of the global livestock family,” noting that growing collaboration has reinforced the Federal Government’s resolve to reposition Nigeria within the global livestock ecosystem.
A key highlight of his address was Arla Foods’ dairy farm in Damau, Kaduna State, which he described as clear evidence of investor confidence.
He noted that the Damau facility is Arla’s only farm worldwide, underscoring Nigeria’s strategic importance to the Danish dairy firm.
The minister revealed plans by Arla to expand operations from 500 to about 1,200 cows, supported by the availability of 8,000 hectares of land, and called for swift government action to enable the expansion.
“They are already on the ground. They have the capacity and the desire to expand. This is a proof of concept,” he said, describing Arla as the largest dairy operation in Nigeria and West Africa.
In his remarks, Danish Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Jens Ole Bach-Hensen highlighted Denmark’s development experience, noting that agriculture driven by cooperative models like Arla played a key role in rebuilding the country after the 1864 war.
He stressed that Denmark, though a small country of about five million people, is eager to share its agricultural expertise with Nigeria, a nation with vast agricultural potential.
The ambassador praised Nigeria’s establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a strong signal of political will.
He said the Nigeria–Denmark government-to-government and sector cooperation has created a structured platform for investment.
According to him, the transition into Phase Two of the partnership will focus on developing legal, regulatory, and professional frameworks needed to unlock private sector investment and ensure sustainable growth in the livestock sector.
He added that Denmark views Nigeria as a key strategic partner, recalling the minister’s visit to Denmark last year as instrumental in advancing cooperation.
There were goodwill messages from experts, stakeholders and investors from within and outside the country.
PR: Adamu Yusuf
