The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), in partnership with key stakeholders, has intensified efforts to establish an effective regulatory and incentive framework to drive sustainable livestock development in Nigeria.
Speaking at a two-day workshop in Abuja titled “Enhancing Regulation and Incentive Frameworks for the Livestock Value Chain in Nigeria”, the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, said the initiative was aimed at co-creating a roadmap for inclusive and competitive growth of the sector.
He stressed the need for a balanced framework that clearly defines rules for food safety, sustainability, and fair competition while providing incentives to encourage compliance, innovation, and investment.
“Our findings show that without deliberate reforms, the livestock sector cannot reach its full potential.
“Weak value chain organisation, poor enforcement of existing regulations, and limited incentives continue to constrain productivity and market access,” Abubakar said.
Reports gathered that the workshop also reviewed a consultancy report assessing existing frameworks in selected livestock value chains.
The report, presented by Prof. Maikano Ari, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Nasarawa State University, highlighted gaps such as lack of legal backing, underfunded enforcement agencies, manpower shortages, corruption, and weak compliance monitoring.
Proposed interventions include the introduction of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Minimum Operating Procedures (MOPs), stronger biosecurity measures, a reward-and-sanction system, and synchronisation of regulatory bodies.
Abubakar added that properly aligned incentives such as subsidies, tax breaks, certifications, and carbon credit schemes could encourage innovation and sustainability while building resilience in the sector.
“Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. With the right mix of regulatory clarity, incentive alignment, and collaboration, our livestock sector can become a driver of national development and a strong competitor in global markets,” he said.
