The federal government has renewed its commitment to revitalise Nigeria’s dairy and livestock sector, addressing pressing challenges that have hindered its progress.
During a courtesy visit by the Northeast Commercial Dairies and Producers Association in Abuja yesterday, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alh. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, assured stakeholders of the government’s resolve to tackle issues affecting the sector.
The association’s spokesman, Dr. Adamu, a veterinary doctor in Gwagwalada, highlighted key concerns such as insecurity, poor infrastructure, and land conversion.
He pointed out that many dairy farms had shut down due to insecurity, and people were reluctant to invest in new projects because of safety risks.
He also emphasised lack of vaccines, outdated veterinary laboratories and restrictive importation policies as barriers.
Dr. Adamu proposed several measures, including empowering agro-rangers, installing solar-powered lighting for farm security, and introducing tracking systems to prevent cattle rustling.
Responding, the minister lauded the resilience of dairy farmers and emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring food security under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He outlined plans to collaborate with security agencies, implement animal tagging and improve infrastructure through strategic partnerships with agencies like NAFDAC and NEPC.