Nigeria and the Russian Federation have taken fresh steps toward strengthening cooperation in livestock disease control, vaccine production and agricultural technology.
This came to light when the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev, paid a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Abuja on Friday as contained in a press release signed by the Ministry’s Head of Press and Media Relations, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu
The Ambassador represented by Vladimir Efremov, the Agricultural Attaché at the Russian Embassy, reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to work with Nigeria in closing the gap in the supply of quality veterinary vaccines, noting that several Russian institutions have long-standing expertise in animal health solutions.
He presented an updated product catalogues from Russia’s Animal Health Centre and recalled earlier exchanges proposing technical cooperation.
The Ambassador also highlighted Nigeria’s participation in the Golden Autumn 2025 Agro-Industrial Exhibition held in Moscow from October 8–11, describing it as Russia’s premier agricultural forum for showcasing innovations in agribusiness, veterinary products and livestock technologies.
He noted that more than 40 delegates from Nigeria attended the exhibition, which included a visit to the Shchelkovo Biocombinat Vaccine Factory, a 100-year-old institution known for producing vaccines against brucellosis, rabies, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other major livestock diseases. Demonstrating sample products, he emphasised their affordability, cold-chain stability and suitability for Nigerian livestock farmers.
The envoy also informed the Ministry of an upcoming diplomatic reception and photo exhibition scheduled for November 25 to mark 60 years of Nigeria–Russia relations, and extended an invitation to the Minister.
Responding, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, welcomed the renewed engagement and described Russia as a significant partner with advanced capabilities in animal genetics, vaccine technology and scientific research.
He stressed that Nigeria’s livestock sector requires modernisation across genetics, nutrition, animal health and disease surveillance; core priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s livestock development agenda.
The Minister identified feed and fodder development, disease control and improved genetics for indigenous breeds as key areas where collaboration with Russia would be highly beneficial.
He expressed readiness to facilitate links between Russian manufacturers and the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), adding that Nigeria’s large market and favourable investment environment offer strong opportunities for Russian investors in vaccine production, livestock pharmaceuticals, ranching and cold-chain technologies.