In a recent meeting with a high-level delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, outlined the key priorities for the country’s livestock sector.
He pinpointed feed and fodder production, animal health, disease management, and breed improvement as areas that urgently require collaboration with AfDB to drive meaningful change.
Maiha, who spoke about the need for transformation, stressed that turning Nigeria’s livestock sector into a globally competitive industry would depend heavily on addressing core issues like feed and fodder availability.
The Minister emphasized that a stable and nutritious supply of feed is crucial for improving livestock productivity and the overall health of animals.
“Feed and fodder are the backbone of livestock farming,” Maiha stated.
He explained that adequate nutrition is critical to improving the overall productivity and health of animals, ultimately benefiting the entire sector.
Further highlighting the sector’s challenges, the Minister brought attention to the high mortality rates among livestock due to insufficient access to vaccines.
He stressed that resolving animal health issues is imperative for boosting productivity and profitability in the livestock business.
According to him, without the right health interventions, the sector’s growth potential remains stunted.
Another concern raised during the meeting was the underutilization of indigenous livestock breeds. Maiha argued that these breeds, although often overlooked, hold immense potential if given proper care and nutrition.
“It is not about their potential; it is about feeding them properly,” he remarked.
Maiha also shared details of the Ministry’s five-year strategic plan, which is designed to drive job creation, enhance food security, and generate additional income through taxation. The plan, he explained, would position the livestock sector as a key contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), benefiting both smallholder and large-scale livestock farmers.
Addressing challenges in the sector, Maiha assured both small and large-scale livestock producers that they would receive support in line with the Ministry’s policies.
He stressed that while expansion into global markets is important, the domestic market remains a top priority.
In her welcome address, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi expressed the Ministry’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector and reiterated that the AfDB’s partnership was essential to achieving these transformative objectives.
She thanked the AfDB delegation for their commitment and offered full cooperation to ensure the success of future collaborations.
Dr. Martin Fregene, leader of the AfDB delegation, praised the Minister for his clear understanding of the sector’s priorities.
However, he also cautioned that securing the necessary resources would be key to turning these plans into reality.
He acknowledged the urgency of the situation, noting that the Ministry has just two and a half years to make a significant impact.
“You have a good team; the key challenge is securing the resources to deliver. Time is of the essence, and you have two and a half years to make a significant impact,” added.