Livestock - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Tosin Kolade
Oct, Thu, 2024

FG to standardise Animal transport system – Minister

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By Gabriel Agbeja

The Federal Government has announced its plans to establish a framework to standardise animal transportation nationwide.

Transportation Minister Sen. Said Alkali, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr Adeleye Adeoye, emphasised the need for a standardised approach to livestock transport by road, rail, ship, boat, and air.

He spoke at the National conference titled ‘Developing a Policy Framework for Transportation of Livestock in Nigeria’ on Wednesday in Abuja.

He noted the role livestock transport plays in connecting rural producers with urban markets.

Alkali outlined current challenges in Nigeria’s livestock transport, including inadequate infrastructure, animal welfare concerns, and logistical inefficiencies that increase costs for both producers and consumers.

“With a population of over 200 million, we cannot continue with the status quo.

“We need a safe, efficient, hygienic, sustainable, and humane animal transport system that aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda”.

He noted that addressing these issues would require a comprehensive, collaborative approach and expressed confidence in the conference, convened by the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT).

According to him, it will engage policymakers, transport operators, livestock producers, and other stakeholders in shaping solutions.

Alkali assured attendees that recommendations from the conference would be prioritised by the ministry, in cold with relevant agencies, to implement effective changes.

“By addressing gaps in livestock transport, we can boost our agricultural sector, support food security, and drive national economic development”.

NITT Director-General, Dr Bayero Farah, noted the complexities of livestock transport.

He emphasised the need for regulations around loading, unloading, temperature control, and safe transit conditions to ensure humane and effective animal movement. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Tosin Kolade
Oct, Wed, 2024

Agriculture , Food Security

Nigeria to boost livestock sector through real-time data

423 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), has introduced the Livestock Data and Market Information System (LMIS) to provide real-time information for transforming the sector.

This initiative is part of the six-year L-PRES project, funded by 500 million dollars from the International Development Association (IDA), aiming to enhance productivity, commercialisation, and resilience in Nigeria’s livestock industry.

Mr Sanusi Abubakar, L-PRES National Project Coordinator, at a workshop in Abuja, explained that the LMIS would strengthen institutional systems, improve market linkages, and promote crisis prevention.

“The system will offer market information through various channels, creating a comprehensive marketing database for planning, policy formulation, research, and trend monitoring.

Prof. Herbert Udo, Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, highlighted the significance of data in livestock development, noting that well-developed livestock marketing information systems were invaluable for national planning.

“As a regulatory body with zonal and state offices nationwide, the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science is committed to collaborating with L-PRES and other stakeholders to operationalise the LMIS,” he stated.

Udo cited successful partnerships among farmers, markets, and policymakers in other parts of Africa, expressing confidence that similar successes could be achieved in Nigeria.

Mr Ibrahim Wali, representing the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasised the need for real-time data to ensure livestock productivity.

“In this sector, livestock owners often exchange animals for income without recorded transactions or data collection,” he noted.

He noted that the current number of animals was uncertain, and prices for a kilo of meat in Maiduguri or Abuja were often based on guesswork.

“Having real-time data on the prices of sheep, beef, or poultry will be extremely beneficial,” he stated.

Wali added that access to real-time information had transformed purchasing behaviour.

“Everything we do is consumer-driven. Consumers want to know the quality of the beef, chicken, meat, or turkey they are purchasing.

“The world has changed, especially since COVID-19, making it possible to do everything online.

“Consumers can now order beef and chicken online and, knowing the prices, they can purchase from anywhere, even if they are in Lagos”.

Mr Johnson Opigo, LMIS consultant, stressed the importance of data and information systems for improving livestock productivity.

He explained that accurate and timely data enable farmers to make informed decisions about breeding, feeding, health management, and marketing strategies.

“A robust information system provides real-time market data, helping producers understand trends and pricing to make better sales decisions.

“Additionally, information systems can issue early warnings for disease outbreaks and market fluctuations, allowing farmers to take preventive measures”.

Opigo also noted that data on livestock performance and health optimises resource use, reduces waste, and increases efficiency.

He stated that comprehensive data informs policymakers, leading to better regulations and support programmes that enhance productivity and sustainability in the sector.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru