By Faridat Salifu
Nigeria livestock sector is expected to dominate discussions at the 2026 Vanguard Economic Discourse as policymakers and industry leaders converge on Lagos to assess reforms aimed at strengthening food security and agricultural productivity.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, will lead the panel session at the event scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, beginning at 9am.
The discourse is themed “Food Security and Socio-economic Stability: Options for Nigeria’s Agriculture Sector Rebound” and is expected to examine structural challenges and emerging opportunities across the agriculture value chain.
Rather than focusing only on crop production, this year’s discussions are expected to place stronger emphasis on livestock systems as a critical component of national food security.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, will chair the event, while the ECOWAS/Nigeria Resident Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Dr. Hussein Gadain, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
The panel will bring together stakeholders from government, development agencies, farmers’ organisations, agribusinesses, and the financial sector to examine investment and policy directions in the sector.
Participants include the Country Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Nigeria, Mrs Dede Ekoue; Managing Director of Xtralarge Farms & Resorts, Dr Mrs Moji Davids; President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mohammed Magaji; and President of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group, Arc. Kabir Ibrahim.
Organisers said commercial banks with dedicated agriculture desks will also participate in technical and networking sessions aimed at improving financing for agrifood systems.
Maiha’s role as lead panelist is expected to highlight ongoing efforts to modernise livestock production, improve value chains, and expand private sector participation in the sub-sector.
His professional background includes senior leadership roles in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), where he served in executive capacities at the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company.
He also previously led Zaidi Farms Limited, a livestock-focused agribusiness known for integrated production systems covering cattle, poultry, aquaculture, and agroforestry.
Organisers said the discourse is intended to strengthen collaboration between policymakers and private sector actors as Nigeria works to address food inflation, supply constraints, and productivity gaps in agriculture.
