The Federal Government has validated a set of harmonised national protocols aimed at strengthening the conservation, characterisation, and monitoring of Nigeria’s Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR), in a move designed to improve livestock breeding and prevent the extinction of indigenous animal breeds.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Livestock Ministry on Thursday, noting that the initiative will also support data-driven policymaking in the livestock sector.
According to the statement, stakeholders across Nigeria’s livestock industry validated the protocols as part of ongoing efforts to improve animal breeding systems, conservation practices, and genetic resource management.
The validation followed a five-day National Workshop on the Review and Validation of the Harmonised Protocols for Characterisation, Inventory, and Monitoring of Trends and Associated Risks in Animal Genetic Resources Management in Nigeria, held in Abuja from 28 April to 5 May.
The workshop was organised by the National Coordination Office of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project under the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
It brought together genetic experts, researchers, policymakers, livestock breeders, development partners, and private-sector representatives to review strategies for strengthening livestock breeding and conservation systems in the country.
During the session, participants validated several documents, including protocols for animal genetic characterisation, national inventory and monitoring frameworks, data collection templates, conservation plans for endangered breeds, policy briefs, financing and investment plans, and communication strategies.
They also approved the proposed Nigerian Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (NigDAD-IS) and an Animal Genetic Resources dashboard designed to improve data collection, breed monitoring, and integration with global platforms such as the Food and Agriculture Organization’s DAD-IS, the International Livestock Research Institute’s DAGRIS, and AU-IBAR’s AAGRIS.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said harmonised protocols are essential to strengthening livestock breeding systems and protecting indigenous animal breeds.
“Without accurate baseline data, it is impossible to design appropriate breeding objectives or determine which breeds are best suited for specific agro-ecological zones,” the minister said.
He explained that continuous monitoring systems are necessary to detect early signs of genetic erosion, reduce extinction risks, and support timely interventions such as conservation programmes and improved breeding strategies.
The Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, Hussein Gadain, reaffirmed the organisation’s support for Nigeria’s livestock transformation efforts through technical collaboration and institutional assistance.
“Veterinary and genetic services remain the first line of defence in protecting animal health, ensuring food safety, and maintaining market stability,” he said.
He also called for stronger governance structures, improved surveillance systems, and enhanced laboratory capacity to support sustainable livestock development.
At the end of the workshop, the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Sanusi Abubakar, described the validation as a key milestone in implementing Nigeria’s National Strategy and Action Plan on Animal Genetic Resources, launched in June 2025.
He said the validated protocols align with Food and Agriculture Organisation standards and support efforts to establish a national gene bank and strengthen livestock breeding systems nationwide.
He added that stakeholders agreed on implementation timelines running through the end of the year, covering data collection, communication, advocacy, and collaboration with technical partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
