Nigeria’s federal government has called for an immediate end to the traditional practice of cattle roaming, urging a shift toward modern, organized livestock farming to boost the country’s livestock population and drive economic growth. The directive was issued by Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha during the 2026 Animal Science meeting held in Abuja, which focused on innovation in animal agriculture as a catalyst for non-oil economic development.
Speaking at the event, Maiha acknowledged that pastoralism is deeply rooted in the culture of many Nigerians, serving as a way of life rather than just a business. However, he argued that the nation must now translate animal science theory into practical reality to address the devastating consequences of current practices. “We cannot continue this way,” Maiha stated. “We have witnessed the challenges and the devastating consequences and we are determined to change the situation. We must grow our livestock population and develop our communities.”
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s significant agricultural potential, citing a large and growing population with increasing demand for beef, milk, eggs, leather, and other animal products. He emphasized that realizing this potential requires embracing innovation across the entire livestock value chain, including genetics, breeding, feed production, animal health, processing, storage, marketing, data management, and access to finance.
Supporting the call for modernization, Raymond Isiadinso, the National President of the National Institute for Animal Science, stated that Nigeria must double its efforts to replace unconventional pastoralism with modern methods. During the meeting, Isiadinso announced that 277 animal scientists were inducted into the association, along with 14 others inducted as animal scientists associates.
“We must not do as it had always been. Innovation is now the driving force to increased animal husbandry. Emphasis is now on livestock and not oil because animals can reproduce themselves to sustain the nation unlike oil that finishes. The old way of doing this business cannot remain if we expect a change. The time for innovation is now in line with institutional reforms,” said Dr Anyiro Chidozie Onyedikechi, a World Bank Consultant.
Dr. Onyedikechi lamented that the nation is currently wasting resources despite the inherent potential in animal husbandry. He stressed that the sector offers a sustainable alternative to oil dependence, as livestock can reproduce to sustain the economy, unlike finite fossil fuel resources.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
