In a major move to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, the Gombe State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with the Livestock Innovation Corporation (LIC) of New Zealand.
The landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed during a high-level technical visit to LIC’s innovation facilities in Hamilton, aims to transform Gombe’s livestock sector through cutting-edge genetics, climate-smart technology, and data-driven management systems.
The agreement followed an intensive two-day engagement led by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya alongside federal representatives.
The partnership is designed to address systemic bottlenecks in the livestock industry by introducing high-performance dairy and beef genetics and establishing structured knowledge exchange programs.
Beyond immediate productivity gains, the MoU paves the way for joint research initiatives involving Gombe State University, focusing on biotechnology and sustainable production practices tailored to climate resilience.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at LIC’s innovation farm, Governor Inuwa Yahaya characterized the collaboration as a pivotal component of his administration’s agricultural transformation agenda.
He noted that the initiative aligns seamlessly with the federal government’s recent establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development.
The Governor emphasized that deploying innovation is no longer optional but a necessity for sustainable growth, ensuring that Gombe’s farmers can transition from traditional methods to high-yield, technology-backed operations.
The initiative received significant weight from the federal level, with the Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, affirming that the partnership reflects the Renewed Hope agenda’s focus on tangible economic impact.
By moving beyond policy declarations to international technical collaboration, the Federal Government expects the Gombe-LIC model to serve as a blueprint for other states looking to reposition their livestock subsectors for global competitiveness.
LIC, a global leader in herd improvement since 1909, welcomed the collaboration as a bridge between New Zealand’s technical expertise and Gombe’s reformist leadership.
Jason Schrier, LIC’s International Dairy Development Manager, praised the Governor’s clear vision, stating that the corporation is eager to apply its specialized advisory services and herd management software to the Nigerian context.
To ensure the MoU translates into measurable results, a Joint Project Team will be inaugurated immediately to coordinate work plans and monitor the progress of the genetic introductions and institutional training.