Daniel Adaji
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has said that improving how animals are transported across the country will play a vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s red meat and dairy value chains, ensuring food safety, and boosting the economy.
Maiha stated this in Abuja during the 7th National Transport Conference of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA), held on Tuesday.
He stressed that the journey of red meat begins with movement from the ranch to the abattoir, and any inefficiency in that process directly affects quality and profitability.
“Efficient transportation is not just about moving animals; it is about maintaining chain integrity, reducing stress on the animals, minimising holding times at abattoirs, and ensuring steady supply for processing. This is the backbone of a modern, resilient livestock sector,” he stated.
The Minister noted that maintaining a temperature-controlled logistics system, supported by real-time tracking and route optimisation, is key to keeping the cold chain intact and preserving product quality from the abattoir to the market. According to him, a broken cold chain leads to “microbial growth, spoilage, and significant economic loss.”
Turning to the dairy industry, he explained that milk requires swift handling due to its perishable nature.
“Route optimisation software and modern logistics enable milk to move faster from farms to processing plants, ensuring compliance with hygiene and temperature standards,” he said.
Maiha added that specialised insulated tankers and efficient collection routes are essential to extending shelf life and protecting value.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of animal welfare in transportation, insisting that humane handling directly contributes to better meat quality.
He pointed out that features such as non-slip flooring, proper ventilation, adjustable partitions and easy-loading ramps are crucial to reducing stress on animals and maintaining product integrity.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, pledged to strengthen regulatory frameworks to ensure a coordinated, transparent and accountable transport system nationwide.
The Special Guest of Honour, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, highlighted ongoing reforms in the state’s transport network under his administration.
He said the initiative includes 85 urban and rural roads spanning 785 kilometres, with nearly half completed, to connect farmers, traders and commuters while driving commerce and investment.
During the conference, Governor Uba Sani was conferred with the titles of Honorary Fellow and Grand Patron of CIOTA, while Minister Maiha received an Honorary Membership award.
The conference, which opened on November 4 and will run through November 7, is themed “Repositioning Nigeria’s Transport Infrastructure and Governance Models for Global Competitiveness.”
