The Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) has warned that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on crop production alone cannot guarantee food security unless matched by stronger investment in the livestock sector.

Edo State Chairman of ASAN, Peter Uadia Aikhuomogbe, made this known in his welcome address during the maiden ASAN Week and World Egg Day 2025 celebration held in Benin City.

Aikhuomogbe, a retired permanent secretary in the Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food, explained that the government’s continued emphasis on crop-based initiatives had left the livestock subsector underfunded and underdeveloped, a situation that undermines Nigeria’s efforts to attain food self-sufficiency.

“The livestock subsector holds the key to unlocking immense economic potential, ensuring food security, and creating sustainable livelihoods for millions,” he said.

He noted that livestock production plays a crucial role in the country’s food system but faces persistent challenges, including high feed costs, climate change threats, disease outbreaks, and the absence of modern regulatory frameworks.

Speaking on the event’s theme, “From Lab to Farm: Forging a Stronger Handshake Between Animal Science Academia and Public Service for a Thriving Livestock Sector,” Aikhuomogbe stressed the need for closer collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and farmers.

He lamented the existing disconnect between academic research and practical farm application, saying: “For too long, a gap has existed between the groundbreaking research conducted in our institutions and the daily realities faced by farmers.” 

“The handshake between the researcher who develops a climate-resilient breed and the farmer who needs it to survive a drought has often been weak.”

According to him, the goal is to foster “a stronger, firmer, and more productive handshake” that will enhance knowledge transfer, build trust, and promote shared prosperity within the livestock industry.

In his goodwill message, Andrew Omosefe, Acting Provost of the Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Iguoriakhi, commended ASAN for uniting agricultural stakeholders to harness Edo State’s vast agricultural potential.

Represented by the College’s Public Relations Officer, Sonia Obazee, Omosefe noted that the event’s theme aligned with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which prioritises innovation and sustainable agricultural growth.

The event also featured lectures on “Climate-Smart Livestock Production” delivered by Dr Musibau Bamikole of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and David Bamigboye, Managing Director of Animal Healthcare Centre, Benin City.

Another lecture titled “Biosecurity, Animal Health, and Disease Prevention” was jointly presented by Dr James Imasuen of UNIBEN and Dr Haruna Thomas, Director of Veterinary Sciences, Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of awards to outstanding contributors to the livestock sector. Francis Uujamhen, Managing Director of FEM Farms, received the Industry Champion Award, while David Bamigboye, Managing Director of Animal Healthcare Centre, was recognised as a Young Agro Innovator.

The event reaffirmed ASAN’s commitment to promoting inclusive, climate-smart, and research-driven livestock systems capable of boosting national food security and empowering youth and farmers across Nigeria.

Source: Business Day