The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has called for the establishment of specialised livestock colleges and tasked the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) with driving innovation and research in the country’s livestock sector.
Maiha made this call during a meeting with ARCN Executive Secretary Professor Garba Sharubutu and his delegation in Abuja on Thursday.
The Minister emphasized the importance of developing dedicated livestock colleges, pointing out that current agricultural institutions may not meet the needs of Nigeria’s growing population.
He stressed that intensive research in areas such as breed improvement, disease management, and sustainable feeding practices is vital to the sector’s success.
Maiha also discussed the country’s plans to convert 417 grazing reserves into communal ranches, aiming to enhance livestock management and reduce cattle movement.
He called for indigenous grasses that are hardy, drought-resistant, and nutritionally valuable for regrassing the countryside.
In his remarks, Professor Sharubutu addressed the challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural research institutions, including limited funding, insufficient clinical facilities, and understaffing, and called for stronger collaboration with the Ministry to drive sector transformation.
