By Dorcas Elusogbon
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, says strengthening animal welfare standards and adoption of sustainable livestock production systems will boost Nigeria’s food security and economic growth.
Maiha stated this at a conference on animal welfare and sustainable animal system organised by the Animal Welfare Club Nigeria held at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun.
He said that improving animal welfare was critical to enhancing productivity, ensuring public health and meeting global best practices in livestock management.
According to him, Nigeria must align its livestock policies with modern and science-based approaches that promote humane treatment of animals while increasing efficiency across the value chain.
Maiha emphasised that animal welfare was not just an ethical obligation, but a strategic component of sustainable livestock development with international standards while adapting them to local realities.
He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government to advancing progressive implementing policies that support climate-resilient livestock system, reduce environmental impact and encourage responsible animal husbandry practices.
“Globally, evidence continues to show that the humane treatment of animals improves productivity, reduces disease outbreaks, enhances food security, strengthens trade opportunities, and builds consumer confidence.
“In Nigeria, livestock contributes significantly to livelihoods, nutrition, employment, and the national GDP, sustaining millions of households from pastoral communities in the North to poultry, aquaculture, and small-ruminant enterprises across the country,” he explained.
The minister identified key challenges facing the sector to include climate change, environmental degradation, market pressure and international trade requirements.
Maiha underscored the importance of collaboration among government, agencies, private sector and international organisations in driving reforms in the sector.
The minister noted that the future of Nigeria’s livestock sector depends on the ability to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and animal welfare.
Maiha assured that such efforts would contribute significantly to job creation, poverty reduction and national development.
The guest lecturer, Prof Adetola Ajadi, of the College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), spoke on “animal welfare and pain mitigation”.
Ajadi stressed that livestock producers, traders and transporters must recognise that animals have rights to be treated with respect and given maximum comfort.
He noted that 75 per cent of human pandemic are from animal like Ebola, COVID-19, Avian Influenza and swine flu among others.
“Animals that are well treated are healthier and more productive, which ultimately benefits farmers and consumers, so people should ensure adequate care is given to them,” he stated.
Speaking, Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Prof. Bukola Oyebanji, stated that animals cannot protect themselves, but deserve welfare and inclusivity based on humanity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) was inaugurated, while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha were given awards at the event.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni
