By Beatrice Gondyi
The Federal Government has called for an end to the age-old practice of open grazing, urging a shift toward modern, organised livestock farming to grow the national herd and unlock the sector’s economic potential.
Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha made the call at the 2026 Animal Science meeting in Abuja, themed “Innovation in Animal Agriculture: A Catalyst for Nigeria’s Non-Oil Economic Development.”
Maiha said pastoralism is more than a business — it is a way of life — but insisted the time has come to translate animal science theory into reality for economic development.
“We cannot continue this way. 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,” he said.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s large and growing population, rising demand for beef, milk, eggs, leather and other animal products, and a huge workforce capable of driving enterprise across the value chain give the country enormous agricultural potential.
“Realising this potential requires us to embrace innovation at every stage: genetics, breeding, feed production, animal health, processing, storage, marketing, data management and access to finance,” Maiha added.
National President of the National Institute for Animal Science, Raymond Isiadinso, said 277 animal scientists were inducted into the association, alongside 14 associate members. He stressed that Nigeria must redouble efforts to replace unconventional pastoralism with modern methods to boost livestock population.
World Bank consultant Dr Anyiro Chidozie Onyedikechi lamented that the nation is wasting its resources despite the inherent potential in animal husbandry.
“We must not do as it has always been. Innovation is now the driving force to increased animal husbandry,” he said. “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.”
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