Nigeria, Russia explore partnerships in vaccine, livestock investments

Nigeria and Russia are stepping up talks on veterinary vaccine production and livestock development, signaling potential new investments in Nigeria’s agribusiness and animal health sectors.

At a meeting in Abuja, Andrey Podelyshev, Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, represented by Agricultural Attaché Vladimir Efremov, met with Idi Mukhtar Maiha, minister of Livestock Development, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in vaccine supply, animal genetics, and technology transfer.

Efremov reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to support Nigeria in closing its vaccine supply gap, presenting updated product catalogues from Russia’s Animal Health Centre.

He noted that several Russian institutions, including the century-old Shchelkovo Biocombinat Vaccine Factory, have developed affordable, stable vaccines for tropical livestock conditions.

He also commended Nigeria’s participation at the Golden Autumn 2025 Agro-Industrial Exhibition in Moscow, where over 40 Nigerian delegates engaged Russian agribusiness firms and explored partnerships in veterinary solutions and livestock technology.

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Minister Maiha described Russia as a strategic partner in modernising Nigeria’s livestock industry under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agricultural reform agenda. He identified disease control, feed development, and genetic improvement of indigenous breeds as priority areas for collaboration.

The Minister added that Nigeria’s large livestock market and improving investment climate provide opportunities for Russian investors in vaccine production, livestock pharmaceuticals, ranching, and cold-chain infrastructure.

Russia will also host a diplomatic reception and exhibition on November 25 to mark 60 years of Nigeria–Russia relations.