The Gombe State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with the Livestock Innovation Corporation (LIC) of New Zealand to transform animal husbandry and strengthen the livestock value chain in the state.
The partnership was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday following a two-day technical working visit by a high-powered Gombe State delegation to LIC’s innovation facilities in Hamilton, New Zealand.
The delegation was led by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON.
The MoU is designed to boost livestock productivity, enhance climate resilience and unlock new economic opportunities across the sector through the deployment of modern technology, data-driven management systems and sustainable production practices.
Under the agreement, both parties will collaborate on developing advanced livestock data and technology platforms, promoting climate-smart production systems and strengthening institutional capacity through training and structured knowledge exchange.
The partnership also provides for joint research initiatives, including potential collaboration with Gombe State University, as well as opportunities in genetics and biotechnology. This includes the possible introduction of high-performance New Zealand dairy and beef genetics, subject to regulatory approvals.
To ensure effective implementation, a Joint Project Team will be established to coordinate activities, develop work plans and monitor progress.
Engagements during the visit focused on aligning priorities around data-driven livestock management, sustainable production systems and long-term sector reforms. The MoU was formally signed during an on-site tour of LIC’s innovation farm on the second day.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the agreement as a major milestone in Gombe State’s agricultural transformation agenda.
“The lessons from these engagements strengthen our determination to deploy innovation as a driver of sustainable growth,” the governor said.
“This MoU is a practical step toward improving productivity and resilience in our livestock sector, directly benefiting farmers and strengthening the state’s economy. It also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed efforts to reposition the livestock sector through the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.”
The initiative received strong federal backing from the Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who said the partnership reflected the policy direction of the Tinubu administration.
“This collaboration is fully in tune with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises technology, sustainability and real economic impact,” the minister said.
“We will continue to support initiatives that move beyond policy statements to deliver tangible benefits for farmers and the national economy.”
On behalf of the Livestock Innovation Corporation, the International Dairy Development Manager, Jason Schrier, welcomed the partnership, describing it as a model for effective international collaboration in livestock development.
“We are proud to host the Gombe State delegation and to work together toward a new future for livestock farming in Gombe State and Nigeria,” he said.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya was accompanied by key officials, including the State Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Prof. Usman Bello Abubakar, and the Director-General, Research and Documentation, Ahmed Husaini.
The LIC delegation included Mr. Schrier and Dr. Lorna McNaughton, Senior Scientist.
Founded in 1909, the Livestock Innovation Corporation is a global leader in agricultural technology and herd improvement, supporting dairy farmers worldwide through advanced genetics, herd management software and specialised advisory services.
