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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
To increase the livestock population and boost economic growth, the federal government has called for a shift in the age-old practice of cattle roaming and other unconventional practices and embracing modern, organised livestock farming to unlock the sector’s enormous potential.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha spoke at the 2026 Animal Science meeting yesterday in Abuja, with the theme: ‘Innovation in Animal Agriculture: A Catalyst for Nigeria’s non-Oil Economic Development’.
Maiha noted that pastoralism is beyond business, but a way of life; adding that it was now time for the country to translate animal science theory into reality for economic development.
He said: “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.
“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.
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“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 said
National President, National Institute for Animal Science, Raymond Isiadinso said 277 animal scientists were inducted into the association and 14 others inducted as animal scientists associates.
Isiadinso said Nigeria must double its efforts in ensuring that unconventional pastoralism is replaced with modern methods to boost livestock population.
A World Bank Consultant, Dr Anyiro Chidozie Onyedikechi lamented the nation is wasting its resources despite the inherent potential in animal husbandry.
“We must not do as it had always been. Innovation is now the driving force to increased 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,” he said.
