The Federal Government has entered into a strategic partnership with Brazil aimed at harnessing the $2.97 billion global animal genetics market, which is projected to grow to $4.19 billion by 2029.
The agreement between Nigeria and Brazil focuses on enhancing livestock productivity through genetic improvement, modernisation of infrastructure, youth training, and mechanisation. The partnership is expected to revolutionise Nigeria’s livestock sector, potentially injecting over $42 billion into the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within a decade.
The deal aims to introduce advanced Brazilian technologies such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and selective breeding into Nigeria’s livestock value chain. These methods, widely credited for transforming Brazil into a global leader in livestock production, are now set to be replicated in Nigeria.
Speaking with The Nation, OCP Africa’s Head of Business Development, Caleb Usoh, praised the federal government’s initiative. “It’s exciting to see Nigeria seek global partnerships to modernise agriculture,” he said. “Brazil has made enormous strides in livestock farming, and this is our chance to replicate their success.”
Usoh emphasized that the collaboration must go beyond documentation and focus on effective implementation. “We’ve signed many agreements before; what makes this different will be our execution strategy,” he warned.
With Brazil producing over 450,000 of the 600,000 bovine embryos globally, its role as a genetic powerhouse is undisputed. In 2024 alone, the country earned over $6.1 million from bovine semen and embryo exports, up from $4.7 million the previous year.
Nigeria has already begun importing live cattle and genetic material from Brazil to improve the productivity of indigenous herds, especially in dairy production. This initiative is expected to boost milk yield and meat quality while enhancing disease resistance among local breeds.
Dr. Adeola Adesote, a Nigerian doctoral researcher in cattle nutrition and genetic improvement in Brazil, said the collaboration is ideal due to shared environmental conditions. “Brazil’s success is rooted in environments similar to Nigeria’s—hot, humid, and tropical. Their genetic innovations are highly adaptable to our local challenges,” she noted.
Adesote added that incorporating modern genetics will lead to a more resilient and productive national herd, setting the stage for enhanced food security, higher incomes for smallholder farmers, and broader rural development.
President Bola Tinubu recently met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Rio de Janeiro, where he assured that Nigeria would eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks hindering agriculture.
Tinubu said, “We are ready for real partnership and immediate action. Agriculture, especially livestock, is a competitive advantage Nigeria must fully explore.”
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the collaboration will focus on health and disease management, sanitation, and research into genetic materials and new breeds.
Experts believe the Nigeria-Brazil livestock alliance has the potential to transform Nigeria into a continental leader in animal agriculture. With improved genetics, modern techniques, and international best practices, Nigeria could soon see a livestock boom that feeds its population, reduces imports, and positions it as a regional exporter of animal protein.
The initiative is part of a broader vision to grow Nigeria’s livestock sector to a $74 billion industry by 2035.