Nigeria’s Livestock Ministry has announced plans to digitise the country’s livestock sector through a new national digital infrastructure to boost trade, improve animal welfare, and expand market access.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the ministry had prioritised digital transformation as a key step towards achieving its mandate and unlocking opportunities within the livestock industry.
Speaking during a meeting with the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, in Abuja, Maiha said the proposed digital platform would reduce unnecessary cattle movement, improve disease control, and enhance access to real-time information on livestock regulation and market activities.
“This digital infrastructure is fundamental in our journey,” Maiha said.
“We want people to stay in the comfort of their rooms and find out what is happening in the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. It will connect us to markets locally, regionally, and globally.”
He revealed that Nigeria currently has more than 815 livestock markets, and the ministry intends to digitise operations across them to ensure visibility and data accessibility.
Maiha noted that the initiative would give potential investors, development partners, and traders access to vital industry information without the need for physical contact.
“Our request is for NADF’s support to help us digitise and make our livestock data publicly accessible,” he said.
“In other countries, every detail about the livestock industry is available on a mobile device, and we want that here.”
The minister added that the project, to be known as the National Livestock Public Digital Infrastructure, would position Nigeria’s livestock sector on the global map by showcasing investment opportunities, promoting animal traceability, and reducing the spread of animal diseases.
According to him, discussions are already ongoing with international investors, including partners from the Gulf region, particularly interested in Nigeria’s red meat industry.
“With this platform, investors wouldn’t need to travel to Nigeria to see what’s available; a simple click would reveal everything,” Maiha said.
He added that the ministry was working with the Nigeria Customs Service on the design of purpose-built livestock transport trucks, which would improve animal welfare and compliance with global standards.
Maiha also announced plans to launch a Presidential Initiative on Youth and Women in Livestock, targeting 1,000 beneficiaries from each state and the FCT.
The initiative will provide certified training recognised by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), enabling participants to join the livestock value chain or start businesses.
“We want to equip 37,000 youth and women with the skills, certification, and opportunities to thrive in the livestock sector,” he explained.
In his remarks, NADF’s Executive Secretary, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, commended the initiative as a “good first step” towards transforming the sector.
He affirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting the ministry in the design, funding, and rollout of the digital infrastructure.
“Digitisation within agriculture is critical in this day and age,” Ibrahim said. “We believe this approach will attract youth participation and modernise the sector.”
Ibrahim added that the NADF’s broad mandate covers the entire agricultural value chain, including livestock, fisheries, and forestry, and aligns closely with the ministry’s goals.
“Our aim is to collaborate, share ideas, and ensure that funding and technical support reach every aspect of the livestock industry,” he said.
Source: ThisDay Live
