The Federal Government has started plans to introduce nationwide digital registration, tagging and traceability for cattle, sheep and goats.
The initiative aims to modernise Nigeria’s livestock sector, reduce cattle rustling and improve access to international markets.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, announced the plan on Wednesday during the two-day National Conference of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Abuja.
The conference brought together government officials, development partners and livestock industry stakeholders to discuss peaceful pastoralism and livestock transformation.
Maiha said the government would implement the programme through the National Animal Identification, Tagging and Traceability System explaining that all livestock owners would have to register and tag their animals under the new system. According to the minister, the programme will create a reliable database of livestock across the country and also help authorities track animal movement and improve disease control.
Maiha said the digital identification system would help security agencies tackle cattle rustling by making animal ownership easier to verify.
He added that the programme would strengthen Nigeria’s red meat value chain and help producers meet international traceability standards.
The minister said the system would also improve Nigeria’s chances of accessing global livestock markets announcing that the Ministry of Livestock Development is finalising a National Ranching Policy.
The policy will promote modern livestock production and encourage more sustainable ranching practices.
Maiha said population growth, environmental changes and increasing pressure on land have made traditional open grazing difficult to sustain.
He explained that the policy would support pastoralists who want to invest in modern livestock systems.
The proposed ranching policy will consider the needs of different livestock producers across Nigeria.
It will provide opportunities for smallholder pastoralists while encouraging improved livestock management practices.
Maiha said the government wants to build a livestock sector that supports food security, economic growth and peaceful coexistence.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming livestock production through policies that improve productivity, security and sustainability.
