US Seeks Stronger Nigeria Partnership on Livestock Trade

The United States is seeking closer cooperation with Nigeria on livestock development and agricultural trade to expand investment and business opportunities.

The initiative featured during a four-day speaker programme organised by the U.S. Mission to Nigeria from 10 to 13 August 2026 under the Freedom 250 initiative.

The programme brought livestock development expert Dr Gregg BeVier together with Nigerian agribusiness leaders, policymakers and government officials. His discussions focused on how American agricultural technology, private-sector expertise and business partnerships could improve livestock productivity.

In Abuja, BeVier addressed the All-Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture, with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service. He also met officials from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Livestock Reforms and Implementation Committee to discuss American private-sector partnerships in Nigeria’s livestock industry.

BeVier also engaged young Nigerians through the 30 American Spaces across the country, highlighting opportunities to contribute to efforts aimed at increasing livestock productivity.

The US expert further joined the U.S.-Nigeria Livestock and Feed Connect, a business-to-business event that brought livestock companies from both countries together to explore potential partnerships.

The U.S. Mission said the programme forms part of its Commercial and Investment Partnership, which aims to promote shared prosperity and support a stronger business environment in Nigeria, particularly within agriculture.

The initiative also builds on existing exchange programmes, including the International Visitor Leadership Program and the Young African Leaders Initiative, while creating networks for future cooperation. The mission said it could also lead to future Fulbright and International Visitor Leadership Programme opportunities focused on agricultural finance and trade.

BeVier brings more than 37 years of business experience. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of ST Genetics and Chief Executive Officer of Fast Genetics. He previously held senior roles at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, PIC, Premium Standard Farms and Merial.

He holds degrees in agricultural science, animal science, veterinary medicine and business administration from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He also received the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004.

Could stronger US-Nigeria livestock partnerships significantly improve agricultural productivity and trade?