Crude livestock farming: Minister seeks change of narrative in Nigeria

The minister of livestock improvement Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha stated for Nigeria to reap the advantages of livestock farming, every little thing ought to be finished to cast off the previous, crude technique of pastoralism that had been synonymous with Nigeria.

He spoke in Abuja on Tuesday in the course of the 2026 Animal Science assembly on the theme, ‘Innovation in Animal Agriculture: A Catalyst for Nigeria’s non-Oil Economic Development’.

According to the minister, pastoralism is greater than enterprise, however a lifestyle; subsequently, he stated now’s the time to translate animal science principle into actuality for financial improvement.

“We cannot continue this way. We have witnessed the challenges and the devastating consequences, and we are determined to change the situation. We must grow our livestock population and develop our communities,” he stated.

On the necessity to make use of innovation for the subsequent section of Animal Science and pastoralism, the minister stated the way forward for animal manufacturing lies on improved seeds.

“Nigeria possesses enormous agricultural potential. We have a large and growing population, increasing demand for beef, milk, eggs, leather and other animal products and a huge population capable of driving enterprise across the livestock value chain. Realising this potential requires us to embrace innovation at every stage: genetics, breeding, feed production, animal health, processing, storage, marketing, data management and access to finance,” he stated

Corroborating the minister, an agricultural economists who can also be a advisor on the World Bank Dr Anyiro Chidozie Onyedikechi whereas giving a key observe deal with stated the nation is losing its assets regardless of the inherent potential in animal husbandry.

He requested rhetorically, “Why ought to a rustic with such huge assets struggles to have milk and meat sufficiency? We should not do because it had all the time been. Innovation is now the driving pressure to elevated animal husbandry.

“Emphasis is now on livestock and not oil because animals can reproduce themselves to sustain the nation unlike oil that finishes. The old way of doing this business cannot remain if we expect a change. The time for innovation is now in line with institutional reforms.”

While giving particulars of the summit earlier, the nationwide president, National Institute for Animal Science Mr Raymond Isiadinso stated about 277 animal scientists are to be inducted into the affiliation on the occasion whereas 14 others could be inducted as animal scientists associates.

There have been goodwill messages from the co chairman Presidential Committee on Livestock Development, Prof Attahiru Jega, the agricultural attache, Embassy of Brazil Frederique Abrau; counsellor, meals and agriculture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark, Henrik Stroh.

The assembly supplied alternative for individuals to interact in frank discussions that will take the nation’s animal husbandry enterprise to the subsequent degree.