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.

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.

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.