The federal government has emphasised the need to improve Nigeria’s livestock sector, urging stakeholders to work together to meet the expectations of Nigerians.
In a strong call to action, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, told stakeholders that they could not afford to disappoint Nigerians, particularly following the creation of the Ministry by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at the Focus Group Discussion on Sustainable Livestock Development in Nigeria, organized by the Ministry, Maiha outlined the objectives behind the formation of the Ministry and the urgent need for action in the livestock sub-sector.
According to the Minister, Nigerians are looking for meaningful changes, particularly in the areas of reducing the frequent farmer-herder conflicts, as well as increasing the supply and affordability of beef, dairy products, poultry, chevon, mutton, pork, and other livestock items.
“With the Ministry and the available human resources in Nigeria, the days of lamentation should be over, we must come together and provide tangible results, we can not afford to fail,” he added.
The Minister further unveiled plans to engage with all relevant parties within the sector. This includes consultations with academic institutions, donors, other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the private sector.
He stressed the need for collaboration, noting that the success of the Ministry’s activities would depend on the involvement of everyone, from upstream to downstream stakeholders in the livestock value chains.
“We are committed to being open, transparent, consultative, and results-driven in our approach. Our doors are wide open for honest and productive discussions with all who are willing to contribute,” Maiha assured attendees.
The Focus Group Discussion, which spans two days, has been convened to gather ideas and recommendations from relevant stakeholders that will create solutions to challenges facing the livestock industry and Nigeria at large.
The Minister stressed that the goal of the meeting was to develop clear, implementable strategies that could bring about favorable outcomes if properly executed.
The event is centered around discussions on four main themes: Animal Health and Breeding, Livestock Entrepreneurship and Value Chains, Feed and Fodder-Grazing Reserves Development, and Cross-Cutting Issues.
Maiha expressed confidence that, with the expertise and experience present at the meeting, effective intervention strategies would emerge to address the challenges facing the livestock sector.