The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has been named the Minister of the Year 2025 by the Daily Asset Newspaper in recognition of his leadership in linking agriculture to peacebuilding, youth employment, and economic growth.
The award was formally presented at a reception dinner held in the minister’s honour on Friday, 6 February 2026, in Abuja.
It followed a symbolic presentation at the 9th Annual Daily Asset Awards Ceremony a day earlier, while the minister was on official assignment in New Zealand.
The Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr Samuel Anzaku, had received the award on his behalf.
Presenting the award, the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Daily Asset Newspapers, Dr Cletus Akwaya, stated that the minister was selected for his visionary leadership, policy clarity and measurable impact in repositioning livestock development as a tool for food security, rural livelihoods and national cohesion.
He explained that the newspaper’s assessment highlighted consistent efforts to move beyond rhetoric by addressing the root causes of farmer–herder conflicts through structured livestock systems, productivity-driven reforms and inclusive growth models.
Responding, Maiha described the recognition as humbling and emotional, stressing that it belongs to the entire Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
He dedicated the award to ministry staff, whom he credited for delivering results despite funding and operational constraints.
Calling the award a “jet propulsion engine”, the minister said it would further motivate the ministry to raise performance standards and deliver tangible outcomes in 2026 and beyond.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming livestock production into a contributor to GDP, rural employment and national food security, noting that the sector holds strong potential for youth engagement and sustainable livelihoods.
Maiha emphasised that the ministry is prioritising sedentarisation, mechanisation, dairy development, youth participation and technology adoption across the livestock value chain.
He mentioned that these measures are critical to improving productivity, supporting climate-smart farming practices and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.
He added that Nigeria has the resources and capacity to significantly increase livestock output if reforms are sustained and supported by stakeholders across government, the private sector and development partners.
The minister also thanked the media and sector stakeholders for their continued support, pledging that the ministry will justify the confidence placed in it through consistent implementation, accountability and reforms that deliver real benefits to farmers, pastoralists and agribusinesses nationwide.
Source: Federal Ministry of Livestock Development
