Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has raised alarm over the feeding conditions of more than 50 million cattle in the country, describing the situation as a national emergency, According to a report from PEOPLE’S GAZZETTE.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day Policy Dialogue Workshop for the Valuation of PRISMA project results organized by ECOWAS’ Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food, the minister warned that inadequate nutrition for livestock has far-reaching effects.
“In Nigeria, we have over 50 million cattle in the hands of rural dwellers, and these are animals that must be fed,” Mr. Maiha said. He stressed that providing feed is a “national imperative” with direct consequences on “rural livelihood and human peace,” adding that the challenge is “a matter of survival.”
Represented by Peter Alike, Director of the Technical Office of the Permanent Secretary, the minister disclosed that the government has developed a strategic plan running from 2025 to 2030 aimed at improving livestock productivity. He noted that the sector currently contributes about $32 billion to Nigeria’s GDP but could generate more than $94 billion in 10 years if properly developed.
Mr. Maiha also commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development, arguing that regional agricultural programmes cannot succeed without Nigeria’s participation. “If you have a project of this magnitude and you exclude Nigeria, then you are not likely to succeed,” he stated, underscoring the collaboration between Nigeria, ECOWAS and regional partners in promoting food security.