The Federal Government has described the Brazil–Nigeria–United Kingdom trilateral partnership as a strategic step toward boosting livestock productivity, food sufficiency and economic growth.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this known in Abuja during a courtesy visit by representatives of the UK–Brazil–Nigeria Trilateral Initiative for Climate-Smart Cattle Systems, also known as Livestock 247.
This was contained in a statement on on Friday, 20th February, 2026, by Ogochukwu Igboamalu, Assistant Chief Executive Officer on Media.
Maiha said the initiative is designed to improve livestock productivity through enhanced animal welfare, strengthened climate resilience and the integration of emerging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and data-driven decision support systems.
According to the Minister, the project will assess near-market digital innovations such as smart collars, sensor systems, environmental monitoring tools and digital test records.
It will also promote digital surveillance and precision animal health systems powered by data-enabled technologies.
He stressed that Nigeria aims to adapt global best practices, particularly proven models from Europe and Brazil, while prioritising technological advancement and collaboration to modernise the domestic livestock industry.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, epidemiologist Professor Alex Cook said digital technologies have transformed modern life and now offer similar revolutionary potential for the livestock sector.
Cook explained that digital monitoring devices, remote video surveillance and environmental sensors can generate real-time data beyond traditional observation methods.
When integrated into shared data platforms and enhanced by machine learning and artificial intelligence, such systems can improve feeding efficiency, productivity, resilience and profitability, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
He highlighted Brazil’s transformation of its livestock sector over the past three to four decades, noting its significant contribution to the country’s economy.
He added that similarities in climate and ecosystems between Brazil and parts of Nigeria provide opportunities for knowledge exchange.
While acknowledging structural differences between the UK and Nigeria’s livestock systems, Cook said the UK would contribute expertise in data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence to strengthen the initiative.
The Minister expressed optimism that the combined strengths of Nigeria, Brazil and the UK would accelerate reforms in the livestock sector and drive sustainable growth.
Spark News reports that Directors, heads of departments and the Minister’s Special Assistant were among participants at the meeting.