The National Bureau of Statistics has ranked Bauchi state among the top livestock-producing states in Nigeria, saying nearly 80 per cent of agricultural households in the state also engage in animal husbandry.
The Chairman of the Bauchi State Chapter of the Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN), Aminu Mijinyawa, made this known during a press briefing on the sidelines of ASAN’s one-day workshop themed “Livestock Reform and Climate Adaptation: Paving the Way for Resilient Animal Agriculture in Nigeria” held in Bauchi.
He noted that the event came at a time when the livestock industry is facing multiple challenges, including farmer-herder conflicts, land disputes, drought, feed scarcity, and disease outbreaks.
Mijinyawa called for bold reforms, strategic climate adaptation measures, and increased collaboration among government, private investors, development partners, traditional institutions, and community groups.
He emphasised that “Any effort to improve animal production and foster peaceful coexistence among stakeholders has a direct impact on the livelihoods of our people.”
The ASAN National President, Raymond Isiandinso, represented by the Vice President I, Dr. Rose Idi, described Bauchi state as a pacesetter in the livestock industry.
Isiandinso praised the contributions of Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro and the establishment of the Dairy Centre of Excellence in Bauchi, adding that the centre could set a national direction for the livestock sector, particularly following the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
Isiandinso stressed that “Bauchi’s comparative advantage in livestock production positions it to lead Nigeria’s transition from subsistence to market-driven animal agriculture.
“The people gathered here today are our arrowheads for achieving this transformation.”
On his part, the North East Zonal Coordinator of ASAN, Professor Muhammad Babawuro, lauded the Bauchi chapter for organising what he described as an unprecedented event in the region.
Babawuro commended the federal government for creating the Ministry of Livestock Development and called for stronger professional unity among animal scientists.
The workshop featured technical sessions aimed at equipping participants with practical tools and innovations to improve animal welfare, boost productivity, and strengthen the resilience of Nigeria’s livestock sector.
