Nigeria’s Gombe state signs livestock innovation agreement with New Zealand firm
Federal government advances nationwide livestock transport and data reforms
NIGERIA – The Gombe State Government has entered into a formal cooperation agreement with New Zealand’s Livestock Innovation Corporation to support changes in livestock production methods, environmental adaptation and sector-wide economic activity.
The agreement was concluded after a two-day technical engagement in Hamilton, during which a delegation from Gombe State, led by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, visited LIC facilities and discussed practical collaboration frameworks.
According to an official statement from the governor’s media office, the memorandum outlines areas of cooperation, including the use of digital livestock management tools, sustainable production systems, and climate-responsive farming approaches.
The document also outlines plans for joint research activities with Gombe State University, including work in animal genetics and biotechnology, such as assessing dairy and beef genetic material developed in New Zealand.
Governor Yahaya, speaking at the signing event, said the agreement fits within the state’s existing agricultural policies that focus on improving efficiency and long-term output in livestock farming.
He added that the partnership aligns with current federal efforts to restructure livestock development under the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who attended the event, said the collaboration reflects the administration’s broader policy direction that prioritises structured investment, environmental considerations and measurable economic outcomes.
On the New Zealand side, LIC International Dairy Development Manager Jason Schrier described the arrangement as a practical working model that links technical expertise with a state-level reform program.
Schrier said the agreement is designed to support livestock producers through improved data systems, herd management practices and advisory services over an extended period.
Founded in 1909, Livestock Innovation Corporation is a farmer-owned organisation that provides genetic services, farm software, and technical support to dairy producers across multiple regions.
Federal livestock transport reforms
The Gombe agreement follows earlier federal announcements made in October 2025 regarding a separate national program to standardise livestock transport across Nigeria.
At the time, Minister Maiha said the ministry was preparing to introduce specially designed vehicles to transport animals under cleaner, more regulated conditions.
He explained that livestock movement would be limited to transporters registered under a new digital tracking system developed by the ministry.
The platform is being built in partnership with OneServe Technologies Limited, a private technology firm working with government officials to centralise data across the livestock value chain.
Ministry officials said meetings held in Abuja with OneServe focused on reviewing development milestones and planning the next implementation phase.
Maiha also disclosed that data collection is underway to map abattoirs nationwide, including their operational status, capacity levels and working conditions.
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