The Federal Government has approved the National Animal Feed and Fodder Policy as part of a larger plan to increase Nigeria’s agricultural output from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035.

Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the minister of livestock development, stated during the official opening of the policy validation workshop in Abuja that the effort is essential to maximising the nation’s potential for livestock production.

“Animal feed and fodder are the lifeblood of any sustainable national livestock production system. I urge you to ensure that this document is not only visionary but a practical one that can be implemented at both national and sub-national levels,” the minister said.

Maiha emphasised that the new policy will address long-standing challenges in feed quality, availability, and coordination, positioning Nigeria’s livestock sector as a major contributor to national food security and economic diversification.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development organised the workshop, which brought together key players across the livestock value chain, including researchers, government officials, private sector stakeholders, and development partners.

The ministry’s director of Monogastric and Ruminants, Mrs Winnie Lai-Solarin, welcomed the participants and acknowledged their input during the policy’s drafting stages.

“It is gratifying that, with the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, we are now validating this document. It is the right thing to do now,” she said.

In a goodwill message, Professor Maikano Ari, President of the National Animal Feed and Fodder Participatory Platform, pledged the platform’s full support for implementing the policy.

“We have been part of this journey from the beginning and will make this document a central part of our work plan,” he said.

Professor Eustace Iyayi, special adviser to the minister and lead technical expert, outlined the policy’s key objectives, including increasing feed and fodder production by 20 per cent annually, establishing regulatory standards for quality and safety, and promoting commercial livestock practices among at least 50 per cent of farmers within five years.

“This policy is designed to encourage a competitive feed and fodder industry, foster public-private partnerships, and establish a conducive regulatory environment. We must build an ecosystem that supports better nutrition, livestock productivity, and ultimately the well-being of our citizens,” Iyayi said.

Seasonal feed shortages, the lack of private sector participation, and the necessity of inclusive participation, particularly of women, in livestock development are further issues that the National Feed and Fodder Policy seeks to solve.

In the upcoming weeks, the final copy of the policy will be submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

Source: Leadership

Image Credit: Daily Trust