The Federal Government has raised alarm over Nigeria’s growing inability to adequately feed more than 50 million cattle owned largely by rural communities, describing the situation as a national emergency requiring swift intervention.
This concern was voiced by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during the opening of a two-day policy dialogue on the PRISMA project, organised by the ECOWAS Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (ARAA).
He was represented by Dr. Peter Alike, Director of the Technical Office in the Office of the Permanent Secretary.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s livestock industry holds immense economic potential, capable of generating over $94 billion within a decade if properly harnessed.
Despite persistent challenges—particularly the acute shortage of animal feed—he noted that the sector still contributes more than $32 billion to the nation’s GDP.
Maiha said the establishment of a dedicated livestock ministry reflects the government’s commitment to repositioning the sector for national growth and food security.
He stressed that feeding livestock must be treated as an urgent priority, given its direct impact on rural livelihoods, stability, and national survival.
“With over 50 million cattle in rural communities, feeding them is not something we can postpone. Failure to do so threatens our very livelihoods and peace. It is an emergency,” he stated.
The minister also cautioned against excluding Nigeria from major regional agricultural projects, arguing that the country’s size and resources make its involvement essential for success.
Speaking at the event, Konlani Kanfitin, Acting Executive Director of ARAA, reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to strengthening research and development in livestock production.
He praised the European Union and Spanish Cooperation Agency (AECID) for supporting the PRISMA initiative, which aligns with ECOWAS’ agricultural policy aimed at transforming food and farming systems across West Africa and the Sahel.
PRISMA researcher and agricultural engineer, Dr. Fernando Escribano, highlighted the project’s focus on addressing aflatoxins—toxic metabolic substances produced by fungi and bacteria in feed, especially under high heat and moisture.
He emphasised the urgent need for unified standards across the region for detecting and controlling aflatoxin contamination.
“Aflatoxins do not recognise national borders,” Escribano explained.
“We need harmonised methods for sampling, measurement, and defining acceptable levels so that our livestock feed remains safe.”
