NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Group targets ₦4bn livestock export value
Agriculture

Group targets ₦4bn livestock export value

73 total views today

Sarafina Christopher

Mrs Khuraira Musa, the President, Livestock Value Chain for Youth and Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, has pledged that the group would be a model for participatory rural development and wealth creation.

She said to achieve this, the society aimed to record over ₦4 billion in livestock export within the next 36 months.

Musa said this on Friday during the virtual inauguration of the cooperative society.

“This cooperative was born out of necessity. Our communities and rural farmers are struggling in silence.

“Youths eager to farm but they are not being supported; women are holding families together with limited tools and recognition.

“This is a platform for economic empowerment, food security, and dignified livelihoods,” she said.

Musa also pledged commitment to uphold transparency, accountability and community ownership.

Mr Mohammed Sodangi, Director of Membership & Community Mobilisation, explained that membership of the society would be strictly by referral by an existing member.

He said such referral would also be vetted by its Membership Committee before approval by the General Assembly.

“We are not just running a cooperative we are rewriting the future of rural Nigeria where livestock becomes a ladder to peace, prosperity, and progress.

“We believe that with a visionary leadership and a strong commitment to sustainable development, the society is set to serve as a blueprint for inclusive national growth,” he said.

The Head, Directorate of Marketing & Export, Dr Dasuki Kabir, said the group had produced a 12-month roadmap designed to enhance the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s livestock products.

The strategy, according to him, targets several key markets, including Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and Egypt.

He said in carrying out its activities, the society would pay close attention to ethics and corporate social responsibilities market research, product certification, cold-chain logistics infrastructure and branding and packaging.

“Social responsibility remains a central aspect of the cooperative’s mission.

“It encompasses initiatives such as interest-free loans, guaranteed off-take agreements and revolving funds aimed at supporting smallholder livestock producers,” Kabir said.

He said that the group would also focus on capacity building and ethical governance.

To achieve that, he said, it would provide training in livestock handling, animal welfare, feed formulation, sustainable practices, bookkeeping, cooperative governance, and agri-tech and digital literacy.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Niger, AGRA train 1,000 women, youths on livestock production
Agriculture

Niger, AGRA train 1,000 women, youths on livestock production

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By Rita Iliya
The Niger Ministries of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has trained 1,000 youths and women on livestock production to boost animal production in the state.

Mr Jonathan Wasa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, said this during the livestock entrepreneurship training for youths across Niger.

Wasa, who was represented by Abbas Mohammed, Director of Animal Production in the ministry, said the training was in partnership with Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

He said that 50 beneficiaries would be trained in the first phase with two persons selected from each of the 25 local government areas of the state.

“We decided to synergise with AGRA to train our women and youths to change their mindset in animal rearing to improve livestock production in the state.

“The aim is to transform our food system, support smallholder farmers as well as make our youths self-reliant,” he said.

The permanent secretary added that the training was also for the beneficiaries to get acquainted with the realities on ground.

“The plan was that the beneficiaries would be empowered financially and given basic tools and materials to start up livestock production,” Wasa said.

Speaking, Dr Matthew Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary, Niger Ministry of Agriculture, advised the beneficiaries to acquire skills on livestock production that would be beneficial to them.

In his remarks, Mr Godswill Aguiyi, the Programme Officer of AGRA in Niger, advised the beneficiaries to see the training as an opportunity to venture into businesses and enhance the agricultural sector.

He said that the aim of the training was to transform the food system, support smallholder farmers and help the youths become self-reliant.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training covered topics such as livestock production economics, business and pasture developments. (NAN)

Edited by Chidi Opara

Minister wants tractors to replace armoured tanks to boost food security  
Defence/Security

Minister wants tractors to replace armoured tanks to boost food security  

261 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Federal Government aims to shift from military equipment to agricultural tools, specifically replacing armoured tanks with tractors and machine guns with milking machines, to bolster food security.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Dr Abubakar Maiha, this known during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Counter Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) and International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on Friday in Abuja.

This initiative, he said, focuses on modernising the livestock sector and increasing food production through technology and precision farming. 

He said the collaboration between NCTC and IITA was a noble framework for integrating ex-combatants into the normal society to support President Bola Tinubu’s agenda on food security.

According to him, once people are productively engaged, they will not be available for recruitment into violent crimes no matter the enticement.

“This is what we are looking at and our vision today in the country we want Nigeria’s countryside to be the symbol of what we want.

“We use tractors to replace armoured tanks, and we want milking machines to replace machine guns because they have no place in our countryside.

“This is what the ministry is driving, and we are going to work with NCTC-ONSA and other MDAs in terms of empowerment of women and youths,” he said.

In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Iman Suleiman -Ibrahim, commended NCTC and IITA for the innovative partnership in advancing Nigeria’s peace and security through inclusive and sustainable approaches.

Suleiman-Ibrahim said that agro-business, allied with the empowerment project, was a vital step in addressing the root causes of violent extremism, particularly amongst vulnerable populations, which includes women, youths, and families at risk.

She emphasised that empowering women and marginalised groups was essential for sustainable peace and development in the country.

According to her, family units, particularly women, are central to community resilience and affirmed commitment to ensuring women’s active participation in livelihood programs through integration and community development initiatives.

Also, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, represented by his Deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, said it was incumbent on levels of government to support the initiative for collective good.

Sule said the North Central region in particular was faced with associated security challenges with attendant consequences on its agriculture and other facets of human development.

He said that application of kinetic approach alone in the fight against insecurity was not sufficient in addressing the peculiar security challenges.

He said that the MOU which targets on enhancing food security and agricultural development would have a better and more sustainable synergy in addressing the nexus between food security, agriculture, and counterterrorism in the country.

On his part, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bukarti Tijani, said that Borno alone had over 200,000 repentant terrorist Combatants.

He said the situation had brought to fore the importance of the MoU while looking at non-kinetic approaches to bring more terrorists to voluntarily surrender.

This, according to him, is to ensure that after surrender, communities being resettled would have livelihoods in agriculture as relative peace has come to the region.

“So, the state governments in the Northeast region are battling with their finances to settle and also to find livelihoods,” he said. (NAN) 

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

L-PRES engages stakeholders on livestock infrastructure sustainability
Agriculture

L-PRES engages stakeholders on livestock infrastructure sustainability

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By Felicia Imohimi

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has commenced stakeholder engagement towards developing a sustainability plan for livestock infrastructure constructed across 20 states.

Speaking at a workshop on Wednesday in Abuja, Dr Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, expressed concern over the number of development projects abandoned following the withdrawal of funding partners.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop, themed “Beyond L-PRES: What Next?”, focused on ensuring the sustainability of animal health and husbandry infrastructure established under the project.

Abubakar stated that the primary aim of the workshop was to develop a comprehensive and actionable sustainability plan that would serve as an effective exit strategy for L-PRES, while ensuring the lasting impact of its investments.

According to him, the forum brought together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including development partners.

“It is to deliberate on strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability, optimal use, and effective maintenance of critical livestock infrastructure after the project’s conclusion.

“The workshop seeks to address common challenges such as poor maintenance, underutilisation, and the frequent abandonment of donor-funded infrastructure projects in Nigeria,” he said.

Abubakar outlined the workshop’s objectives, which include formulating a robust sustainability plan to ensure the continuity and long-term viability of all animal health and livestock infrastructure developed under L-PRES.

Other objectives, he noted, are the development of sustainable economic strategies through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to support the ongoing operation of the infrastructure.

He added that the workshop also aims to create incentive frameworks to encourage suppliers and industry practitioners to adopt and support existing livestock infrastructure for mutual benefit.

“Further goals include promoting private sector involvement in animal health services and encouraging community participation in safeguarding livestock infrastructure.

“The workshop is also intended to harness expert insights, best practices, and innovative approaches from key industry players to guide the implementation of sustainable infrastructure practices,” he added.

Abubakar identified L-PRES as a $500 million World Bank-funded project aimed at transforming animal health services, improving livestock productivity, strengthening value chains, and enhancing the resilience of livestock-reliant communities nationwide.

He noted that the project had made strategic investments in critical animal health and husbandry infrastructure across the country, including model veterinary hospitals, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, solar-powered cold storage facilities, and modern abattoirs.

“These investments are designed to strengthen animal health delivery systems, improve food safety and security, protect public health, and stimulate economic development within the livestock sector,” he said.

Also, Dr Chidozie Anyiro, World Bank Co-Task Team Leader for L-PRES, revealed that livestock infrastructure under the project is valued at over $200 million.

He stressed the importance of ensuring the sustainability and effective management of the facilities constructed, in order to avoid the common pitfall of post-project neglect.

“Effective management and long-term functionality of livestock infrastructure are critical to achieving sustainability, enhancing efficiency, improving animal welfare, and increasing livestock production.

“By exploring best practices, innovative solutions, and addressing prevailing challenges, we can collectively improve the performance and longevity of livestock infrastructure in Nigeria,” Anyiro said. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Stakeholders urge investment in fodder, grazing reserves
Agriculture , Food Security

Stakeholders urge investment in fodder, grazing reserves

579 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

Stakeholders in the livestock sector have urged increased investment in pasture development and the revitalisation of grazing reserves.

They said this is essential to ensure sufficient fodder for livestock and help resolve the ongoing farmer-herder crises nationwide.

The call was made on Tuesday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ workshop convened to validate the draft National Animal Feed Policy Document.

Prof. Ari Maikano, President of the Nigerian Food and Fodder Multi-Sector Platform, spoke on the current state of fodder in the country.

He noted that a thorough assessment from the valley regions to the savannah zones reveals the presence of various types of pasture, shrubs, and fodder.

“These reflect our diverse agro-ecological zones. Nigeria is blessed with rich fodder resources that require further development.

“Some countries have sourced their fodder from Nigeria and integrated it into their national agricultural assets.

“Interestingly, we currently have a situation where some areas have abundant fodder production, while others have high utilisation rates.

“One of the strengths of the fodder sector is the potential for robust business-to-business relationships,” he added.

Maikano highlighted the importance of private sector funding in addressing the challenges faced by the livestock industry, emphasising that the sector cannot continue to rely solely on government support.

“It is essential that the sector attracts significant private sector investment. Encouragingly, we are beginning to see data-driven interventions, which are crucial for the growth and development of the sector.

“Historically, the focus has been on feed, but we are now recognising that fodder is a major constraint in Nigeria’s livestock-agriculture system, and it must be prioritised”.

The professor stressed the need for greater engagement with the fodder sector, describing it as central to resolving many of the country’s current security challenges.

He linked the recurring conflicts between farmers and herders to competition over feed resources.

Speaking at the workshop, Maikano said the objective was to appraise and validate the National Animal Feed Policy Document and harmonise ideas on key issues that should be reflected in the final policy.

He identified private sector participation as one of the core themes of the document that would benefit the sector.

Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, described the gathering as a significant step in stakeholders’ collective effort to reposition the livestock sector.

He identified the livestock sector as a vital contributor to national food security, rural livelihoods, and economic diversification.

The minister emphasised that animal feed and fodder form the backbone of any sustainable livestock production system.

He acknowledged that the sector continues to face major challenges, including inadequate feed and fodder supply, poor quality control, weak regulatory frameworks, and limited private sector engagement.

“These gaps have hampered productivity, profitability, and resilience across our livestock value chains,” he said.

“This policy document, which we are here to validate, offers a strategic and inclusive response to those challenges.

“It provides a comprehensive framework for enhancing feed and fodder production, attracting investment, supporting research and development, ensuring quality standards, and improving stakeholder coordination.

“A structured policy for feed and fodder across production, supply, market access, and investment is essential in driving the Ministry’s goal to double our national herd to 398.9 million heads,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

FG to standardise Animal transport system – Minister
General News

FG to standardise Animal transport system – Minister

449 total views today

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

Nigeria to boost livestock sector through real-time data
Agriculture , Food Security

Nigeria to boost livestock sector through real-time data

840 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

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