Livestock

Nigeria’s livestock plan set to drive growth

Nigeria’s livestock sector is gaining fresh attention as a new development framework promises to open up opportunities across the industry.

The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Akajiugo Emeka Obegolu, has shared an optimistic outlook, stating that the initiative could create up to 350,000 jobs within its first two years.

According to Obegolu, the framework is designed to attract investment and support growth across the entire livestock value chain. Central to this effort is the planned Livestock Development Fund, which aims to make financing more accessible for farmers, processors, and other stakeholders. With better access to funding, businesses in the sector are expected to expand and improve their operations.

He also praised the current administration for establishing a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a timely and strategic move. This step, he explained, gives the sector the focused attention it needs to reach its full potential. Rather than taking direct control, the government is encouraged to create supportive policies and regulations that allow private investors to play a leading role.

The scale of opportunity within the livestock industry is significant. Obegolu noted that the sector could be worth around 33 trillion naira, covering areas such as meat production, dairy, leather, and poultry. With proper planning and investment, these segments can contribute strongly to economic growth.

He highlighted the importance of improving key areas such as feed systems, animal breeding, and veterinary services. Advancing techniques like artificial insemination and better genetics can help increase productivity and efficiency across farms.

Another major focus is the need to modernise how meat is processed and transported. Moving away from the traditional practice of transporting live animals over long distances, he suggested a system that relies on processed meat and cold chain logistics. This approach would reduce losses, maintain quality, and improve overall efficiency.

With growing collaboration between the government and private sector, the livestock industry is steadily moving towards a more structured and sustainable future. The proposed framework is expected to support job creation, improve food supply, and strengthen Nigeria’s wider economy.

Natasha Hall as Vice President VIV Worldwide. (Image credit: VIV WORLD)

VIV Worldwide is entering a new phase of global development with the appointment of Natasha Hall as Vice President VIV Worldwide by Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs | VNU Group.

The move signals a renewed focus on expanding the international reach of the VIV brand and strengthening its role as a leading platform for the global livestock and agrifood industry. The announcement also comes at an important time as preparations gather pace for major upcoming VIV events around the world.

The appointment arrives just months ahead of VIV Europe 2026, which will take place from 2 to 4 June at Koninklijke Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. This edition is particularly significant as it marks the 25th anniversary of the event, one of the most recognised trade gatherings for professionals across the feed to food chain. At the same time, the organisation is also preparing to launch VIV Select India, which will make its debut from 22 to 24 April in New Delhi, opening new opportunities in one of the fastest growing livestock markets.

Hall’s promotion reflects the organisation’s confidence in her leadership and international outlook. Jeroen van Hooff, President and CEO of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, emphasised the impact she has already made within the organisation. "From the very start of her time at Jaarbeurs in 2025, Natasha has made a clear mark on the development of VIV Asia, where her international work experience and strategic vision contributed to growth, positioning and market connection. Her new role sets her up for the next step within the organisation and for further developing VIV as a globally leading B2B platform for the poultry and livestock sector."

In her new role, Hall will oversee the complete global VIV portfolio across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East and Africa region. Her responsibilities include the international VIV trade shows along with VIV Connect and the VIV Trade Forums. A key priority will be expanding the global network of exhibitors, visitors and industry partners while strengthening the international visibility of the VIV brand.

With more than a decade of experience in the exhibitions industry in Dubai, Hall brings strong international expertise to the role. "I see VIV as a unique global platform that brings together the entire feed to food chain, and I consider that integrated approach to be an important differentiating strength," said Hall.

Her appointment also comes during a milestone year for the brand. VIV Europe 2026 will celebrate its 25th edition and will also mark the decision to move the event to a biennial schedule from 2028 onwards. "VIV Europe has grown into a reliable and forward-looking platform where strategy, technology and business come together. The anniversary edition in June will once again bring hundreds of international exhibitors and thousands of professionals from the global feed to food chain to Utrecht — a recognised hub for agrifood innovation, science and sustainable chain development."

Ntungamo battles to contain foot and mouth disease as markets close and tensions rise.

Ntungamo District, a district in Western Uganda is facing mounting pressure as a fast moving outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease continues to disrupt livestock trade and strain relations between farmers and veterinary officials.

The disease, which was first detected in Nyakyera Sub county after animals were brought in from unknown sources, has lingered for nearly two months.

In a swift response, the district halted cattle markets and installed quarantine checkpoints to limit further spread. According to Dr Yake Basulira, the district veterinary officer, emergency measures were introduced as soon as the outbreak was confirmed.

“We had a challenge of Foot and Mouth Disease starting with Nyakyera area due to inflow of animals from unknown sources. We came in as a task team and set up FMD task teams,” he explained.

A District Task Team later met stakeholders in January, 2026, in Nyakyera and Rubare to agree on stricter controls, including market closures and a vaccination drive.

Foot and Mouth Disease affects animals with split hooves including cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. It spreads quickly through direct contact, infected equipment and the movement of livestock.

Despite the government supplying what officials describe as enough vaccines for the entire district herd, progress has been uneven. “The vaccination campaign programs have continued, however with setbacks. These setbacks are attached to farmers not bringing all their animals for vaccination yet requesting to know where the disease is,” Dr Basulira said.

“The government has given us massive amounts of vaccine which can contain the animals of Ntungamo. If all farmers would bring all their animals in time, we would ably push out this FMD out of Ntungamo, and operations of markets would be normal.”

Tensions are rising in Itojo where some large scale farmers have resisted the exercise. “In Itojo some people have over 200 animals but have failed to vaccinate yet they are threatening the district veterinary officer. There must be penalties,” warned Denis Savimbi.

Officials insist enforcement will follow. “The farmer who doesn't want to bring his animals for vaccination is handled by those penalties. Dear farmers, let’s comply so that you know how to manage it before you are put in prison for the sake of your animals,” Dr Basulira cautioned.

Beyond animal health, the economic impact is clear. Bernard Ahabwe noted, “FMD has killed our cows and affected the district in terms of resource mobilization. The markets are not functioning, we are not collecting local revenue.”

Chief Administrative Officer Fildeus Kizza added, “Much as some farmers could be selling from their homes and they don’t bring their animals to markets, definitely we cannot collect money like market dues. There must be some sort of decline in terms of revenue collection. We might lose revenue but we are protecting income for the farmer.”

For Ntungamo, the task now is to restore order, protect livelihoods and bring the outbreak under control before losses deepen further.

Vaccine arrival strengthens South Africa’s fight against foot and mouth disease.

South Africa has stepped up its response to Foot and mouth disease with the arrival of one million high potency vaccines at OR Tambo International Airport.

The shipment was received under the supervision of John Steenhuisen, Agriculture Minister marking a significant boost to the national vaccination drive already under way in affected regions.

The vaccines were supplied by Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina and form part of a broader supply programme. Further consignments are expected in the coming weeks from BVI in Botswana and Dollvet in Turkey. By the end of March, more than five million doses from these three international suppliers are set to arrive in the country.

At home, the Agricultural Research Council has committed to producing 20 000 vaccines per week, with plans to increase output to 200 000 per week in 2027. The expanded supply will allow authorities to move beyond targeted outbreak response and work towards wider suppression of the virus in high risk areas.

Steenhuisen said, “Vaccination has already begun in affected areas, but supply has limited the speed and coverage. With this arrival, we can now accelerate protection across priority provinces and stabilise the livestock sector.”

Outbreaks have been reported in every province, prompting quarantine measures, movement restrictions and ongoing surveillance. A risk based vaccination strategy will focus first on outbreak centres in KwaZulu Natal and parts of Gauteng, Free State and North West, before extending to other high risk and border regions.

The initial one million doses will be shared across all provinces, with KwaZulu Natal and Free State receiving the largest allocations. However, the minister warned that vaccines alone will not end the crisis.

“Quarantine rules, movement permits and biosecurity measures exist to protect every farmer in the country. Those who deliberately move animals illegally, conceal infections, or ignore restrictions threaten the recovery of the entire sector. Where there is wilful non compliance, we will work with law enforcement authorities and the full might of the law will be applied,” Steenhuisen added.

He will visit Mooi River in KwaZulu Natal on 27 February to vaccinate dairy cattle alongside veterinarians and farmers. “The dairy industry has been among the hardest hit with significant production losses, disrupted markets and immense strain on farming families. That visit marks the practical beginning of recovery at farm level. Each vaccinated herd means stability returning to a business, wages returning to workers and milk returning to shelves.”

“We are moving step by step from crisis management to control,” Minister Steenhuisen concluded. “Vaccines are arriving, the system is scaling up, and compliance will be enforced. Working together, we will stabilise the sector and rebuild confidence in South Africa’s animal health system.”