The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi has stressed the need for effective data collection and management of Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) to support research, policy-making, and breeding programs in Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Dr. Akujobi made this statement at the National Capacity Building Workshop on Data Collection and Management of Animal Genetic Resources, held in Abuja on Tuesday, 14th October 2025.
The event, organized by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) in collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Livestock Development, aimed to enhance the country’s capacity to manage its diverse animal genetic resources.
In a speech delivered by Dr. Peter Alike, Director, Technical in the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Akujobi highlighted the importance of animal genetic resources in improving livestock productivity and resilience to climate change.
She emphasized that a lack of coordinated data collection systems has hindered the country’s ability to maximize the full potential of its indigenous animal species.
“This workshop could not have come at a more opportune time, as the livestock sector continues to play a critical role in national food security, economic development, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability,” she said.
Dr. Akujobi noted that the event reflects Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to transforming the livestock sector by embracing innovation and modern scientific tools. She also pointed to the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), a key framework aimed at improving animal genetics, feed systems, veterinary services, and promoting data-driven decision-making across the industry.
The Permanent Secretary reiterated her Ministry’s support for the outcomes of the workshop, pledging to work closely with AU-IBAR, regional organizations, research institutions, and other stakeholders to strengthen livestock development policies in Nigeria.
Dr. Akujobi also encouraged participants to engage actively in the workshop, acquire new skills, and apply the knowledge gained to improve practices in their respective organizations and communities.
In hus remarks, Head of the Northeast Sub-Office for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Nigeria, Al Hassan Cisse, stressed the importance of Nigeria’s livestock sector.
He pointed out that the country is home to the largest livestock population in Africa, with significant numbers of cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry.
He also highlighted the need for robust data systems, noting that many local animal breeds in the region are at risk of extinction.
Mary Mbole-Kariuki, Director of AU-IBAR, also addressed the workshop, reaffirming the organization’s support for African countries in building capacity for the conservation and sustainable use of animal genetic resources.
The workshop saw participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including regional organizations, research institutions, and development partners, all working together to develop better data collection tools and management protocols for the sector.
