In a significant move to address pressing global challenges, Nigeria and Denmark have reinforced their collaborative efforts to control antimicrobial resistance (AMR), improve food safety standards, and tackle climate-related issues in the agricultural sector.
Strengthening the One Health Framework
The renewed commitment was announced during a National Workshop on Strengthening Anti-Microbial Resistance Surveillance held in Abuja. The event, which took place on 29 November 2025, saw the participation of key figures including the Representative of the Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Salome Bawa, and Chief Regulatory Officer of NAFDAC, Hajiya Sidikat Kamal.
Hajiya Sidikat Kamal, who also serves as the Coordinator of the DAN-NG partnership, emphasized that both nations are expanding their technical cooperation. This collaboration is centered on the One Health approach, which integrates animal, human, and environmental health to find evidence-driven solutions.
Key Focus Areas and Strategic Goals
The partnership has identified several priority areas for immediate action. A major concern is the promotion of ethical animal husbandry and feed management to prevent contamination and enhance nutritional quality. The programme also aims to strengthen animal identification, registration, and traceability across the entire livestock value chain.
Another critical focus is on improving early disease detection and outbreak response systems. The engagement is dedicated to enhancing the prevention and response to infectious and transboundary animal diseases. A strong warning was issued against the misuse of antibiotics in livestock production, with a call for robust AMR stewardship to encourage the responsible use of veterinary medicines.
A Unified Front for a Sustainable Future
On the subject of food safety, the collaboration underscored the need for risk-based food safety inspections and regulatory compliance. It also champions the adoption of climate-smart and environmentally sustainable livestock systems.
Kamal highlighted that the 2025 global AMR theme, "Act Now Protect Our Present Secure Our Future," reinforces the urgency for collective action. She stated that the engagement serves as a platform for learning, collaboration, innovation, and practical action.
The strategic sector cooperation between Nigeria and Denmark, established in 2020, has already yielded impressive results, with over 44 joint projects implemented across the country to improve livestock productivity and sustainable agricultural practices. The recent workshop was supported by the Danida Fellowship Centre and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, bringing together experts, government regulators, and the DAN-NG Alumni Community.
