- FG labels inability to feed 50 million cattle a national emergency demanding immediate action.
- Minister Maiha projects the livestock sector could contribute over $94 billion in 10 years.
- Collaboration with ECOWAS and PRISMA projects aims to boost livestock productivity.
- The workshop emphasizes tackling aflatoxins in livestock feed to ensure food safety.
The Federal Government has raised alarm over Nigeria’s inability to adequately feed over 50 million cattle owned by rural dwellers, calling it a national emergency requiring urgent attention. The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, highlighted the economic and social implications at a recent policy dialogue workshop organized by ECOWAS’ Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (ARAA).
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, spoke on Friday at the opening of a two-day Policy Dialogue Workshop on the Valuation of PRISMA project results in West Africa and the Sahel. Represented by Dr. Peter Alike, the minister stressed that the livestock sector could contribute more than $94 billion in the next decade if properly managed.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
He noted that despite current challenges, the sector already contributes over $32 billion to Nigeria’s GDP. The creation of a dedicated ministry for livestock development demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening the sub-sector and driving national development.
READ ALSO: Prophetess Ukachukwu Warns Nigerians of Possible Sudden US Attack, Advises Caution
Maiha emphasized that Nigeria’s cooperation with ECOWAS and other regional stakeholders is crucial to ensuring food security and stabilizing the livestock economy. “Feeding these 50 million cattle is not just important, it is a matter of survival, affecting rural livelihoods and human peace,” he said.
The Acting Executive Director of ARAA, Mr. Konlani Kanfitin, reiterated ECOWAS’ commitment to advancing livestock research and development, commending the EU and Spanish Cooperation Agency (AECID) for co-financing the PRISMA project. The initiative aligns with ECOWAS’ regional agricultural policy, ECOWAP, aimed at transforming agriculture and food systems across West Africa and the Sahel.
Dr. Fernando Escribano, Agricultural Engineer and PRISMA researcher, highlighted the project’s focus on mitigating aflatoxins in livestock feed. He stressed the importance of harmonized standards for detecting and controlling these toxins, which can develop under high moisture and temperature conditions and impact livestock health.
