New FAO Country Representative Affirms Commitment to Livestock Sector Reform During Visit to Ministry
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development today, August 1st 2025, welcomed the new Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr. Hussein Gadain, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s office in Abuja. Dr. Gadain, who assumed duty on July 8, 2025, brings over 30 years of experience in natural resource management, food security, and agricultural development across Africa and the Middle East. Prior to his deployment to Nigeria, he served as the FAO Representative in Yemen, where he oversaw one of the organisation's largest food emergency and resilience-building programmes. During the visit, the new Country Representative reiterated FAO’s commitment to advancing livestock development in Nigeria through strategic partnerships, emphasising the importance of a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health. He called for collective efforts to tackle transboundary animal diseases, improve quarantine and entry point protocols, and promote value-chain development. “The opportunities and expertise are here,” Dr. Gadain noted. “In countries like Yemen and Somalia, we were able to rebuild food systems with minimal resources. With Nigeria’s vast potential, I am confident we can achieve even more, especially in enhancing nutrition, generating income, and creating jobs through livestock value chains.” He commended the ministry’s strategic direction and pledged FAO’s support in building institutional capacity, enhancing policy implementation, and increasing Nigeria’s visibility in global livestock development fora. Welcoming the FAO delegation, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, expressed optimism about the renewed partnership and noted the significance of FAO’s role in repositioning Nigeria’s livestock sector. “This visit is a major milestone for us,” the Minister stated. “As a newly established ministry, we have long awaited the engagement of FAO in our efforts. Livestock development has been underrepresented for decades. We believe now is the time to correct that imbalance, and we are glad FAO is ready to walk this journey with us.” The Minister outlined key pillars of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NLGAS), including feed and fodder development, disease control and zoonoses management, genetics and breeding, capacity building, and transitioning nomadic pastoralism into settled, economically viable grazing reserves. “We are currently working with state governments to rehabilitate over 400 grazing reserves across the country. These will serve as fully equipped livestock hubs with renewable energy, schools, clinics, and veterinary services,” the Minister explained. Maiha further expressed the ministry’s readiness to immediately establish a joint technical working group with FAO to harmonise priorities, develop a sector masterplan, and facilitate knowledge exchange on best practices from other countries. The visit marked a new chapter in FAO–Nigeria collaboration, particularly in advancing inclusive, climate-smart, and sustainable livestock production systems in line with national and regional development goals. The meeting was well attended by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, alongside Directors of the Ministry and other key staff members. Ben. Bem Goong Director, Press and Public Relations 1st August, 2025
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