Livestock Production: A Neglected Economic Pillar for Nigeria's Growth

The Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) President, Simeon Ohwofa, has emphasized the crucial role of livestock production in driving food security, job creation, and industrial growth in Nigeria, highlighting the need for adequate attention, funding, and policy support to unlock its potential. Ohwofa noted that the institute has registered over 2,964 professional animal scientists and certified over a hundred associate animal scientists, but poor funding remains a major constraint to its operations. He urged the government to honor continental commitments to allocate at least 10 percent of national budgets to agriculture and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

Key Takeaways:

• Simeon Ohwofa, NIAS President, described livestock production as one of Nigeria's most overlooked economic pillars, capable of driving food security, job creation, and industrial growth.
• The Nigerian Institute of Animal Science has registered 2,964 professional animal scientists and 252 new members in its most recent induction.
• The institute has also certified over a hundred associate animal scientists from related disciplines such as zoology and biology.
• Poor funding remains a major constraint to the institute's operations and agricultural development in Nigeria.
• The NIAS President urged the government to honor continental commitments, such as the Maputo and Kampala declarations, which recommend allocating at least 10 percent of national budgets to agriculture.
• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development presents an opportunity to transform the sector through clear planning and proper funding.
• The institute advocates a shift from open grazing to ranching through large-scale fodder production and water supply systems to keep animals in one location.
• Nigeria currently produces too little even for domestic demand and could enter international markets through deliberate investment and adherence to quality standards.
• The NIAS President emphasized the need for stronger value-chain integration, better infrastructure, such as power and cold-chain facilities, to reduce post-production losses.
• The new livestock ministry provides an opportunity to correct decades of imbalance in policy and funding between crops and animals.

Statistics:

• The Nigerian Institute of Animal Science has registered 2,964 professional animal scientists.
• 252 new members have been inducted into the NIAS in its most recent induction.
• Over a hundred associate animal scientists have been certified by the institute, drawn from related disciplines such as zoology and biology.
• Nigeria allocates less than 10 percent of its national budget to agriculture, despite continental commitments to allocate at least 10 percent.

Sources:

• Interview with LEADERSHIP, Abuja, 2023.
• National Assembly Act of 2007.
• National Assembly Act of 2015.
• Maputo Declaration.
• Kampala Declaration.