The United States is pushing for a stronger partnership with Nigeria on livestock development and agricultural trade as both countries seek to expand two-way trade and investment opportunities in the sector.
The initiative was highlighted during a four-day speaker programme hosted by the U.S. Mission to Nigeria from August 10 to 13, 2026, under the Freedom 250 initiative. The programme brought U.S. livestock development expert, Dr Gregg BeVier, together with Nigerian agribusiness leaders, policymakers and government officials.
BeVier’s engagements focused on how American agricultural technology, private-sector expertise and business partnerships could support livestock productivity and create new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries.
In Abuja, BeVier spoke at the All-Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture, with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service. He also engaged officials of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Livestock Reforms and Implementation Committee on the role of American private-sector partnerships in advancing Nigeria’s livestock sector.
He also connected with audiences through the 30 American Spaces across Nigeria, where he discussed opportunities for young Nigerians to participate in efforts to improve livestock productivity.
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The U.S. expert further participated in the U.S.-Nigeria Livestock and Feed Connect, a business-to-business engagement that brought American and Nigerian livestock businesses together to explore potential partnerships.
The U.S. Mission said the programme was designed to advance shared prosperity by supporting a more favourable business climate in Nigeria, particularly in the agricultural sector, as part of the flagship Commercial and Investment Partnership.
It said the programme also built on longstanding exchange initiatives, including the International Visitor Leadership Program and the Young African Leaders Initiative, while creating new networks for future engagements.
According to the mission, the initiative could also generate future Fulbright and International Visitor Leadership Programme opportunities focused on agricultural finance and trade.
BeVier has more than 37 years of experience as a business executive and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of ST Genetics and Chief Executive Officer of Fast Genetics.
He previously managed the livestock portfolio at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as a Senior Program Officer and held positions including President of PIC, Senior Vice President of Livestock Operations at Premium Standard Farms, and Head of the Production Animal Global Enterprise at Merial.
BeVier holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science, a Master of Science in Animal Science, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and an MBA, all from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004 and is a lifetime member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.