The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s livestock sector as a major driver of food and nutrition security, economic growth and sustainable development.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, made this known in his welcome address at the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture, held in Abuja with the theme, “Repositioning Animal Agriculture for Africa’s Agricultural Food Security and Global Competitiveness.”
He said the growing population, changing food systems, climate challenges and expanding markets across Africa had made it imperative to rethink the role of animal agriculture in strengthening food security, improving livelihoods and enhancing the continent’s competitiveness.
According to him, the conference provides an important platform for policymakers, researchers, livestock farmers, development partners, professional bodies and private-sector stakeholders to share experiences, exchange knowledge and explore innovative approaches to advancing animal agriculture across Africa.
The Permanent Secretary said the Federal Government’s renewed focus on livestock development reflected the sector’s importance to Nigeria’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the development of the livestock sector and for strengthening efforts aimed at improving food and nutrition security, creating opportunities for Nigerians and positioning livestock as a key driver of sustainable economic growth.
Represented at the conference by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the President’s participation, he said, demonstrated the importance attached by the Federal Government to the transformation of animal agriculture in Nigeria and across the continent.
The Permanent Secretary also commended the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, for his leadership in strengthening the renewed attention to livestock as a critical component of Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
He said the presence of participants from across Africa and beyond would enrich deliberations at the conference and help generate ideas capable of translating into meaningful action in the livestock sector.
He further welcomed African participants, international guests and development partners to Nigeria, expressing optimism that the conference would strengthen partnerships and contribute to the advancement of animal agriculture across the continent.
The conference brought together representatives of the African Union–Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources, International Livestock Research Institute, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, United States Department of Agriculture, Heifer International, professional associations, academia, research institutions, livestock farmers and other stakeholders.
