Nigeria has strengthened its international livestock cooperation efforts following its participation in the 3rd Nigeria–Belgium–Luxembourg Business Forum, held in Brussels from 22 to 24 October 2025. 

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development confirmed that the engagements mark a renewed drive to attract foreign investment and expand opportunities within the country’s growing livestock industry.

Representing Nigeria at the Forum, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, delivered a keynote address titled “Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Agribusiness and Livestock Development Between Nigeria and the Benelux Region.” 

She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector through the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS).

Dr Akujobi encouraged Belgian and Luxembourg investors to explore the country’s expanding livestock value chains, including beef, dairy, poultry, small ruminants, piggery, honey, feed and fodder development, animal health, and cold-chain logistics. 

She emphasised that these areas present high-return opportunities for forward-looking investors seeking entry into one of Africa’s most dynamic agricultural markets.

A major outcome of the Business Forum was the endorsement of the Nigeria–Belgium–Luxembourg Livestock Investment and Cooperation Platform (NBL-LICP). 

The Platform is expected to boost public–private partnerships, enhance technology transfer, support capacity building, and facilitate the development of commercially viable livestock projects.

“This collaboration marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s livestock development agenda,” Dr Akujobi stated. 

“The Platform will serve as a bridge for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and sustainable investments that benefit all partners.”

Belgium’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Pieter Leenknegt, highlighted notable shifts in Nigeria–Belgium trade patterns. He observed that cocoa has now overtaken crude oil as Nigeria’s top export to Belgium, an indicator of the country’s gradual transition towards a post-fossil economy and improving competitiveness in agricultural commodities.

He noted that these emerging trends underscore renewed optimism for stronger and more diversified economic relations between Nigeria and the Benelux region.

President of the Nigeria–Belgium–Luxembourg Business Forum, Mr Jacques Massart, praised Nigeria’s vibrant youth population, describing the country as a centre of creativity reshaping global industries. 

He highlighted progress in FinTech, AgriTech, artificial intelligence, green energy, bio-agriculture, and smart health, noting that Nigeria’s innovation potential makes it an attractive business destination.

Massart stressed that the future of international business lies in strategic collaboration, adding that the combination of “Belgian precision and Nigerian ambition” presents exceptional potential for sustainable development, shared prosperity, and long-term agricultural growth.

Source: RMLD