The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to aligning Nigeria’s livestock policies with global animal welfare standards, as part of broader efforts to build a sustainable and competitive livestock sector.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, made this known on Tuesday while delivering a keynote address at the International Conference on Animal Welfare and Sustainable Animal Systems held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Maiha said the policy direction reflects Nigeria’s resolve to integrate internationally accepted animal welfare principles into its livestock production systems, while addressing structural challenges limiting productivity and market access.
According to him, the livestock sector remains a critical component of Nigeria’s economy, supporting millions of livelihoods, enhancing food security, and contributing significantly to national output.
“From pastoral communities to poultry and aquaculture, livestock farming sustains millions of households. However, issues such as climate change, disease outbreaks, inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent welfare practices, and antimicrobial resistance continue to pose serious risks,” he said.
The minister noted that the government is strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance with global standards on animal care, handling, and health management. He added that this includes the development of guidelines to promote humane treatment of animals across the entire value chain—from production and transportation to processing.
Nigeria’s renewed focus on animal welfare policy alignment is driven by increasing global scrutiny of livestock production practices, particularly in export markets where compliance with welfare standards is often a prerequisite for trade.
Historically, Nigeria’s livestock policies have prioritised productivity and food supply, with limited emphasis on formalised welfare regulations. However, evolving global benchmarks—such as those promoted by international animal health and welfare bodies—have necessitated reforms to improve quality assurance, biosecurity, and ethical treatment standards.
These reforms are also linked to efforts to modernise the livestock sector through climate-smart agriculture, improved veterinary services, and better disease surveillance systems, all of which are essential for meeting both domestic consumption needs and international market requirements.
Maiha explained that the government’s current strategy includes capacity building for veterinarians and livestock professionals, investment in improved feed and fodder systems, and the introduction of customised livestock transport mechanisms designed to reduce stress and injury to animals.
He emphasised that aligning with global standards would not only improve animal health and productivity but also enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and international livestock markets.
The minister stressed that collaboration remains central to achieving these reforms, calling on universities, private sector players, civil society organisations, and development partners to support implementation.
“Science, compassion, and sustainability must guide our interventions. Our policies must be inclusive, ensuring that pastoralists, smallholder farmers, women, and youth are active participants in shaping the future of livestock development,” he said.
As part of the event, Maiha was honoured with the Grand Patron award by the Nigerian Society of Animal Welfare and Ethics in recognition of his contributions to advancing humane and sustainable livestock practices in the country.
The conference brought together academics, policymakers, veterinarians, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for improving animal welfare systems while ensuring long-term sustainability of the livestock sector in Nigeria.
