Daniel Adaji
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Niger State Government have agreed to strengthen collaboration to accelerate the transformation of Nigeria’s livestock sector and position the country for large-scale red meat production and export.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this on Thursday while receiving a high-level delegation from the Niger State Government led by the Commissioner for Livestock and Fisheries Development, Ibrahim Mami Ijah, during a courtesy visit to the ministry in Abuja.
Maiha commended the delegation for its strong interest in the Federal Government’s livestock transformation agenda, describing the visit as a clear demonstration of Niger State’s commitment to repositioning the sector.
“This is the largest contingent we have received from any state government seeking collaboration with the ministry. The composition and calibre of this delegation clearly show Niger State’s seriousness in repositioning the livestock sector,” the minister said.
He noted that Niger State holds significant potential for livestock development due to its vast land resources, abundant water supply and favourable agricultural conditions.
According to him, the Federal Government is already facilitating major private sector investments in the state, including a Canadian-backed genetics breeding centre and large-scale commercial fodder production projects aimed at strengthening feed supply for livestock operations.
Maiha explained that the ministry is also working towards establishing disease-free livestock production compartments that integrate cow-calf ranch operations, commercial feedlots and modern abattoirs within secured production zones.
“We are developing a model where cow-calf production, feedlots and abattoirs operate within the same disease-free compartment. This will reduce production costs, improve biosecurity and prepare Nigeria for red meat export,” he said.
The Niger State Commissioner for Livestock and Fisheries Development, Ijah, conveyed the state government’s readiness to align with the Federal Government’s livestock reform initiatives.
He said Niger State’s vast landmass and water resources place it in a strong position to serve as a major hub for livestock production.
“With about 76,000 square kilometres of landmass, nearly 10 percent of Nigeria’s total land area, we believe the state can serve as a major hub for livestock development,” he said.
Ijah added that the state government is seeking collaboration with the Federal Ministry in key areas including livestock identification and traceability systems, commercial feedlot development, livestock service centres, pasture development and strengthening animal health systems.
He also revealed that Niger State currently has 22 grazing reserves, nine of which have already been gazetted, noting that the state is ready to partner with the Federal Government to pilot programmes that will transform livestock production and strengthen the value chain.
Other members of the delegation included the Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Jonathan Wasa, and the State Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Jiya Danladi Mohammed.
