Russia and Nigeria have strengthened collaboration on livestock disease control, vaccine production and agricultural technology following a high-level engagement in Abuja.Represented by Agricultural Attaché Vladimir Efremov, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev, visited the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to advance discussions on veterinary and agricultural partnerships.
Efremov reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to help Nigeria close gaps in the supply of quality veterinary vaccines, highlighting Russia’s expertise in animal health and biotechnology.“We presented updated product catalogues from Russia’s Animal Health Centre and recalled previous exchanges proposing technical cooperation. Our vaccines are affordable, stable under cold-chain conditions, and suitable for Nigerian farmers,” said Efremov.
The envoy also referenced Nigeria’s participation in the Golden Autumn 2025 Agro-Industrial Exhibition in Moscow, attended by more than 40 Nigerian delegates. Highlights included a visit to the Shchelkovo Biocombinat Vaccine Factory, a century-old facility producing vaccines for major livestock diseases such as brucellosis, rabies and foot-and-mouth disease. Efremov invited the Ministry to an upcoming diplomatic reception and photo exhibition on 25 November 2025, marking 60 years of Nigeria–Russia relations.
In response, Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha welcomed the renewed partnership, describing Russia as a valuable ally with advanced capabilities in animal genetics, vaccine technology and scientific research. “Nigeria’s livestock sector requires modernisation in genetics, nutrition, animal health and disease surveillance, key priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s development agenda. We are ready to facilitate partnerships between Russian manufacturers and the National Veterinary Research Institute,” said Maiha.
He identified feed and fodder development, disease control and improved genetics for indigenous breeds as priority areas for collaboration. Maiha also highlighted Nigeria’s large market and favourable investment climate as promising opportunities for Russian investors in vaccine production, livestock pharmaceuticals, ranching and cold-chain technologies.
