The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha has said that over 815 livestock markets across the country will be digitally mapped to enable real-time data access, trade facilitation, and improved monitoring.
According to him, the Federal Government is taking a decisive step towards transforming Nigeria’s livestock industry through a planned digital overhaul spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in partnership with the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).
This was revealed during a courtesy visit by the NADF delegation to the Ministry in Abuja on Tuesday, where Maiha reaffirmed the government’s resolve to build a comprehensive livestock digital public infrastructure that will redefine the sector’s visibility and efficiency.
Maiha explained that the initiative aims to create a unified digital platform showcasing the entire livestock ecosystem, from major stakeholders and ongoing programmes to regulatory compliance and operational standards.
“We need to develop this infrastructure and put it in the public domain so that our customers, local, regional, and international will know who we are,” the Minister said.
He emphasized that over 815 livestock markets across the country would be digitally mapped to enable real-time data access, trade facilitation, and improved monitoring. “It’s no longer about moving around with sticks and animals,” Maiha added.
The Minister further emphasised that the Ministry’s digital drive will allow Nigerians easy access to information on livestock activities, policies, and investment opportunities.
He also identified other priority areas, including the design of a dedicated livestock transportation system and targeted capacity-building programmes for women and youth.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Mohammed A. Ibrahim, said the visit was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between both agencies in advancing agricultural development.
“We are here to brainstorm and identify ways our agency can partner with the Ministry to achieve its goals. Digitisation within the agricultural sector is critical in today’s world, and we are ready to support this initiative,” Ibrahim stated.
Furthermore, the partnership is expected to accelerate the integration of technology into Nigeria’s livestock value chain, positioning the sector for greater productivity, transparency, and global competitiveness.
