Abuja: The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, says strengthening animal welfare standards and adoption of sustainable livestock production systems will boost Nigeria’s food security and economic growth. Maiha stated this at a conference on animal welfare and sustainable animal systems organised by the Animal Welfare Club Nigeria held at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister emphasized that improving animal welfare is critical to enhancing productivity, ensuring public health, and meeting global best practices in livestock management. Nigeria must align its livestock policies with modern and science-based approaches that promote humane treatment of animals while increasing efficiency across the value chain. Maiha underscored that animal welfare is not just an ethical obligation, but a strategic component of sustainable livestock development with international standards while adapting them to local realities.
He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government to advancing policies that support climate-resilient livestock systems, reduce environmental impact, and encourage responsible animal husbandry practices. Maiha noted that globally, evidence continues to show that the humane treatment of animals improves productivity, reduces disease outbreaks, enhances food security, strengthens trade opportunities, and builds consumer confidence. In Nigeria, livestock contributes significantly to livelihoods, nutrition, employment, and the national GDP, sustaining millions of households from pastoral communities in the North to poultry, aquaculture, and small-ruminant enterprises across the country.
The minister identified key challenges facing the sector to include climate change, environmental degradation, market pressure, and international trade requirements. Maiha highlighted the importance of collaboration among government, agencies, private sector, and international organizations in driving reforms in the sector. The future of Nigeria’s livestock sector depends on the ability to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and animal welfare. Maiha assured that such efforts would contribute significantly to job creation, poverty reduction, and national development.
The guest lecturer, Prof. Adetola Ajadi of the College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), spoke on ‘animal welfare and pain mitigation’. Ajadi stressed that livestock producers, traders, and transporters must recognize that animals have rights to be treated with respect and given maximum comfort. He noted that 75 percent of human pandemics are from animals like Ebola, COVID-19, Avian Influenza, and swine flu among others. Ajadi stated that animals that are well treated are healthier and more productive, which ultimately benefits farmers and consumers, so people should ensure adequate care is given to them.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Bukola Oyebanji, stated that animals cannot protect themselves, but deserve welfare and inclusivity based on humanity. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) was inaugurated, while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha were given awards at the event.