In the run-up to the 2026 edition of the Vanguard Economic Discourse, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has been named co-chair of the event.

The discourse is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 9 a.m.

With the theme, “Food Security and Socio-economic Stability: Options for Nigeria’s Agriculture Sector Rebound,” the event will convene key stakeholders from across the public and private sectors to explore pathways for revitalising Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

As co-chair, Maiha is expected to engage leading agro-food stakeholders on developments within the livestock segment and its role in strengthening national food security.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, will chair the discourse, while Hussein Gadain, ECOWAS/Nigeria Resident Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization, will deliver the keynote address.

Other participants include Dede Ekoue of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); Moji Davids of Xtralarge Farms & Resorts; Mohammed Magaji of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria; and Kabir Ibrahim of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group.

The event will also attract representatives of financial institutions, including agricultural desks of commercial banks, as part of efforts to deepen collaboration across the value chain.

Maiha, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, began his career as a lecturer before joining the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in 1992. He rose through the ranks to become Managing Director of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company.

Following his retirement, he established Zaidi Farms Limited, where he led innovations in climate-smart livestock production, including the breeding of over 250 exotic cattle, alongside integrated poultry, aquaculture and crop systems.

He also served on the Kaduna State steering committee of the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) project, a World Bank-assisted initiative, between 2018 and 2023.

Over the years, the Vanguard Economic Discourse has evolved into a major platform for dialogue and policy engagement, bringing together leaders from government, industry and development organisations to shape Nigeria’s economic direction.