The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging innovative technology for sustainable development in Nigeria’s livestock sector. At the 2024 Southwest Cattle, Sheep, and Goat Farmers Day Out and Exhibition in Ibadan, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Abiola-Ajimobi, highlighted ongoing efforts to create a comprehensive master plan. The initiative aims to provide a robust platform for ruminant farmers to overcome challenges and thrive. Organized in partnership with Proteintrail Technology, Real People Concept, and other stakeholders, the event emphasized collaboration and innovation under the theme, “Sustaining Livestock Resilience in Changing Times.”
Digitalization was identified as a pivotal step toward resolving persistent issues in the sector. Proteintrail Technology’s CEO, Muritala Alade Bamgbala, stated that embracing digital tools could mitigate farmer-herder conflicts and foster transparency in livestock transactions. Bamgbala emphasized that Nigeria’s limited access to the global livestock export market stems from a lack of traceability, adding that digital systems would ensure accurate livestock histories and curb fake certifications. He cited the U.S. Meat Inspection Act as a model for enhancing safety and transparency in the meat industry.
The Managing Director of Real People Concept, Pastor Tunmise Olagbaju, underscored the untapped potential within the livestock sector, particularly for ruminants. He emphasized that platforms like the exhibition create opportunities for farmers to network, share experiences, and advocate for industry development. With the federal government’s support and stakeholder collaboration, the initiative seeks to boost the livestock sector’s resilience and unlock economic growth.
