News in brief:
– The new Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) plans to establish at least ten research institutes to enhance Nigeria’s livestock industry through training, research, and innovation.
– By addressing infrastructure challenges and promoting technology-driven practices, the ministry aims to improve productivity and achieve self-sufficiency in animal protein, benefiting food security in the nation.
In the proposed organogram submitted by the Presidential Livestock Committee for the establishment of the new Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD), at least ten research institutes will be formed or reinvigorated in line with the ministry’s mandate.
These institutes will serve as training centres for career professionals and stakeholders in the livestock industry, acting as hubs for advanced research, development, and innovation.
Some of the existing research institutes include the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) and the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI).
The ministry aims to establish individual sub-production institutes focused on beef and dairy, sheep and goats, poultry, swine, and micro-livestock. Additionally, a research college for feed and grassland nutrition will be created, along with a laboratory for animal disease diagnostics, a production institute for animal vaccines, and a genetic resource management college.
Enhancing competitiveness and food security
These institutions are expected to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the livestock value chain both on the continent and globally. According to the ministry’s report, Nigeria currently ranks first in egg production across Africa.
However, Ethiopia surpasses Nigeria in dairy, sheep and goat production, as well as in apiculture and gene banking. Nigeria also lags behind South Africa in poultry, meat, pasture, sports animals, and the micro-livestock sectors.
This landscape is set to change with the establishment of these institutions and the implementation of other policies proposed by the FMLD to President Bola Tinubu. Notably, the ministry has requested an injection of ₦10 trillion in its first ten years of operation.
Another important aspect of the ministry’s plans includes the adoption of mandates for grazing reserves and ranches, as well as the development of pastoral welfare. It will also create clusters for producers of non-ruminant animals, employing cooperative models.
Given the widespread infrastructure challenges across industries in Nigeria, the ministry will prioritize the construction of roads, farms, slaughterhouses, processing facilities, and data systems.
Part of its mission is to promote technology and knowledge-driven practices aimed at improving productivity, reducing reliance on imports, and achieving self-sufficiency in animal protein.
Overall, the ministry’s plans are promising for every Nigerian concerned about food security. It is now up to the administrative arm to ensure these commitments are fulfilled and to transform these initiatives into tangible benefits for the nation.
