FG Supports Gombe State in Signing Landmark Livestock Advancement MoU with New Zealand

Hamilton, New Zealand, February 9, 2026

The Federal Government of Nigeria has thrown its weight behind Gombe State in a major step toward transforming the nation’s livestock sector, as a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with New Zealand’s Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC).

The agreement was formalized in Hamilton, New Zealand, under the watch of the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, marking a significant milestone in international cooperation for agricultural advancement. Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya signed on behalf of the Gombe State Government, while Jason Schrirer executed the agreement for LIC.
The MoU is designed to accelerate livestock production, processing, and marketing in Gombe State, positioning it as a model for modern, data-driven, and sustainable livestock development in Nigeria. The partnership is anchored on four strategic pillars: animal breeding and biotechnology, capacity building and knowledge exchange, data and technology infrastructure, and sustainable, climate-resilient livestock production.

Driven by the Gombe State Government and strongly supported by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the collaboration aligns with Nigeria’s broader livestock transformation agenda. It seeks to boost productivity, promote innovation, and ensure long-term sustainability while strengthening local capacity and integrating global best practices.

Officials described the MoU as a forward-looking initiative that underscores Nigeria’s commitment to revitalizing the livestock value chain through strategic international partnerships, with Gombe State taking a leading role in shaping the future of the sector.