The Federal Government has been urged to bolster the National Animal Identification and Traceability (NAIT) system to improve livestock product standards and address security concerns within the sector.
Prof. Attahiru Jega, co-chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee (PLRIC), made this call during a recent two-day workshop on livestock reforms at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders who outlined essential reforms for Nigeria’s livestock industry. They examined various subsectors, including dairy, poultry, swine, and micro-livestock, with a focus on animal health, breed improvement, and climate resilience.
Participants also noted that reliable supplies of grains, forage, pasture, and animal feeds are urgently needed to counteract the impact of smuggling on livestock production.
The communique issued at the workshop stated “There is an urgent need for a targeted policy framework that addresses climate change impacts on livestock production and integrates climate-smart practices across all livestock subsectors.”
Stakeholders recommended that the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development implement a clear strategy to manage farmer-herder conflicts at local, district, and community levels, with specific financing mechanisms to support these initiatives.
They also suggested a robust plan for managing waste generated in livestock production, aiming to convert waste into valuable resources for the industry.
However, these recommendations are part of a broader agenda to modernize and secure Nigeria’s livestock sector, aligning it with both national economic goals and global best practices.