The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has intensified efforts to reposition Nigeria’s livestock sector by prioritising women and youths as critical drivers of sustainability, innovation and competitiveness across the value chain.
This focus was made known by the Director, Technical, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Peter Alike, at a Capacity Building Workshop for Women and Youths in the Livestock Value Chain, held in Abuja between Monday, December 29 and Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
Dr. Alike said the transformation of the livestock sector depends on the deliberate integration of sustainable and innovative practices across all stages of production, processing and marketing, noting that such an approach is essential to unlocking the sector’s vast economic potential.
He explained that empowering women and youths with relevant skills and knowledge remains central to the Ministry’s mandate to strengthen food security, expand employment opportunities and stimulate national economic growth.
According to him, the capacity-building programme is structured as a continuous and practical intervention aimed at equipping participants with hands-on skills that can be immediately applied to their farms and agribusinesses.
He added that the training places strong emphasis on mindset change, actionable knowledge and long-term competence development to promote environmentally responsible and economically viable livestock practices.
Dr. Alike further stated that the strategic role of women and youths informed their recognition as a priority group under the ten pillars of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), the Ministry’s flagship framework for comprehensive sectoral reform.
Speaking on sustainability in livestock production, animal scientist Mr. Ifeanyi Harry Njoagwuani described it as a continuous, science-driven process anchored on effective management.
He highlighted the adoption of climate-resilient breeds, improved genetics, precision nutrition through optimised feed formulations and climate-smart housing systems as key pathways to achieving sustainable livestock systems.
In another session, Mr. Ayoade Akande emphasised the role of biogas production in sustainable livestock development, calling for stronger extension services and increased private sector investment in modern feed technologies.
He also advocated expanded forage seed distribution networks, support for research and innovation hubs, and policy frameworks that encourage sustainable ruminant nutrition.
In his closing remarks, the Director of Livestock Extension and Business Development, Mr. Joseph Ako Eleojo, urged participants to form cooperative alliances and serve as change agents within their communities, noting that women and youths were deliberately targeted for the programme due to their capacity to drive innovation, productivity and sustainability in the sector.
Furthermore, a major highlight of the two-day workshop was a study visit to De-Dre Solution Poultry Farm at Pasali 2, Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. The farm, which has a capacity of 24,800 birds and produces about 650 crates of eggs daily, offered participants practical insights into efficient and sustainable poultry operations.
Participants were drawn from poultry and ruminant farming enterprises across several states of the federation.
