The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has welcomed the proposal for an Animal Husbandry Research and Innovation Centers as a transformative step toward revitalising Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Maiha stated the importance of innovative solutions in addressing the sector’s challenges and unlocking its vast potential, when members of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), paid him a courtesy visit today, in Abuja.
The delegation congratulated the Minister on his appointment and commended his visionary approach to livestock development.
“For years, animal scientists in Nigeria have advocated for a dedicated Ministry, and now, we have a leader who embodies the passion and expertise required to elevate this sector,” a spokesperson for the group noted.
The delegation stressed the sector’s potential, describing it as worth trillions of naira and capable of significantly contributing to food security, foreign exchange generation, and job creation and poverty reduction.
They added, “With the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, we believe long-standing issues such as farmer-herder conflicts, underutilised grazing reserves, and low livestock contributions to GDP will finally be addressed.”
In his response, the Minister thanked the Institute for their advocacy and reiterated the government’s resolve to transform the livestock sector into a key contributor to national economic growth.
“The establishment of this Ministry signals a renewed focus on livestock development. We will work collaboratively with the Institute and other stakeholders to address challenges and foster innovation.
“The proposed Animal Husbandry Research and Innovation Center aligns perfectly with our vision for the sector. When the time comes, we will collaborate to ensure its successful implementation and the realisation of its goals,” he assured.
He also tasked the Institute with developing actionable strategies to overcome obstacles such as vaccine shortages, substandard veterinary drugs, and inadequate laboratory infrastructure. “Your expertise is invaluable in driving practical and sustainable solutions,” the Minister noted.
