The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has pledged to partner with the National Association of Donkey Farmers of Nigeria to strengthen donkey farming and address illegal activities in the Agricultural sector.
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this known when the association visited the Ministry on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
The Minister explained that donkeys continue to play an important role in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where they are widely used as beasts of burden.
He noted that donkeys support transportation, smallholder agriculture, and serve as a source of livelihood for many households.
Their contribution, he said, goes beyond limited commercial uses.
“According to him, use of donkeys goes beyond tourism, where people just come and get a donkey and climb and pay a token of N500 to enjoy their life”.
Maiha said the Ministry is looking to work closely with stakeholders to better understand the realities of the donkey business in Nigeria.
“We also need to understand from your Association what the major challenges and opportunities are out there in the donkey business, so that we will be in a proper position to also support you”.
The Minister added that efforts will be made to connect with donkey users across the country to identify key issues affecting the animals, including diseases common to the species.
He pointed out that donkeys in Nigeria differ from those found in North Africa, making it necessary to develop localised research and solutions.
As part of efforts to grow the sector, the Minister called for more documented research and practical guides on donkey farming.
He said such materials would help new and existing farmers improve production and tap into export opportunities, including the processing and packaging of donkey skin for international markets.
Addressing illegal practices, Maiha revealed that the government is reviewing laws to tackle unregulated activities within the sector.
He stated that regarding the issue of illegality in donkey farming, ” There is one market in one of the states where donkeys have been sold illegally for more than 15, 20 years now. We are trying to look at the legislation behind this to stop illegality in the sector”.
In his presentation, President of the National Association of Donkey Farmers of Nigeria, Abubakar Kagu, said the donkey population in Nigeria is under increasing pressure.
He attributed the decline to uncontrolled slaughtering, illegal trade, and the lack of structured breeding, conservation, and management programmes.
Kagu called for stronger government support to protect and develop the sector, stressing the need for clear policies and targeted interventions.
“This, he said, can be achieved through the formulation of clear policies on donkey breeding and multiplication centres in donkey-producing zones”.
The development places renewed attention on the role of livestock within Nigeria’s broader agricultural system. Stakeholders say strengthening donkey farming could improve rural transport systems, support smallholder farmers, and create new economic opportunities within the livestock value chain.
Kagu also commended the Ministry for its ongoing efforts to promote livestock development in Nigeria, particularly in the area of donkey production and management.
