Abuja: The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, stated that Nigeria is focusing on ensuring food security and enhancing global competitiveness by transforming the country’s livestock industry. Speaking at the 2025 Animal Science Meeting and Industry Exposition in Abuja, the minister emphasized the significance of these efforts, not just for Nigeria, but for Africa and beyond.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Maiha highlighted the importance of transforming animal breeds while preserving their genetic heritage to achieve the desired development and competitiveness. Despite existing challenges, he believes Nigeria’s livestock industry can compete globally through collaborations, partnerships, and innovative solutions. The sector, considered a national asset valued at about 30 trillion Naira, currently contributes less than three per cent to the national GDP. Maiha urged animal scientists and stakeholders to tackle the pressing issues and find effective solutions.
Dr. Mathew Ohwofa, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, noted the institute’s current membership, including 2,936 Registered Animal Scientists and 154 Associate Animal Scientists. At the event, 252 new Registered Animal Scientists and five Associate Animal Scientists were inducted after completing their training. Ohwofa emphasized the central role of animal agriculture in achieving nutritional security, economic resilience, and employment generation.
Keynote speaker Dr. Tunde Amole addressed the theme, ‘Transforming Nigeria’s Livestock Sector for Economic Growth and Global Competitiveness,’ pointing out the low investment levels in Nigeria’s livestock sector compared to its potential. He identified complex constraints faced by small and medium-sized producers, such as limited access to knowledge, technologies, and services, as well as poor infrastructure and climate change impacts.
Amole proposed ‘The Six Strategic Pillars for Transformation’: improving productivity, ensuring feed and fodder security, enhancing infrastructure and market access, financial inclusion and investment, policy and governance improvements, and fostering climate resilience. He stressed the need to move from planning to implementation and accountability.
Inductees at the event expressed their eagerness to contribute to the sector’s development. Dr. Fisayo Ogunsola emphasized collaboration in addressing challenges in animal science and livestock production, while Mrs. Nimota Motunrayo looked forward to exchanging knowledge with other animal nutritionists to enhance her contributions to the field.