Nigeria to increase livestock production

Agriculture Minister, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina

Nigeria to increase livestock production
Hauwa Anaja Abu, Abuja

Nigerian government plans to increase the contribution of the livestock sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product from its current contribution of five to six percent to 15-20 percent.

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina said the livestock sector plays a significant role in the economy, so there is the need for greater attention.

Doctor Akinwunmi who was addressing fellows of the Post Graduate College of Veterinary Surgeons Nigeria, in Abuja, stressed the need for effective care of livestock in Nigeria.

He said the plan to increase contribution of livestock to the economy would not be easily achieved without the support of veterinary doctors.

“Our plan is to increase the contribution of the livestock sector to the GDP from its current contribution of 5-6% to 15-20% by the year 2015, to create jobs and wealth.

“We have confidence that you will use your acquired professional skills to help transform the livestock sector in Nigeria,” he said.

Livestock Transformation Action Plan

The Minister said the Ministry was implementing strategies that would provide a quantum leap in the development of livestock especially in the areas of dairy, beef, leather, small ruminants and livestock feeds as well as poultry development.

According to him, there would be accelerated investments in the livestock value chains, including the upgrade of indigenous breeds, expansion of peri-urban and small hoder fattening schemes by 50 percent, and the control f trans boundary animal diseases by increasing vaccination coverage from 35 percent to 95 percent.

“The Livestock Transformation Action Plan program targets attainment of self sufficiency in meat and livestock production by 2015,” Adesina said.
More training

In a remark, the President of the Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons Nigeria, Professor Mba Uzoukwu emphasised the need for continuous training of veterinary specialists.

He said this would serve as a premptive measure, as global climatic change puts more pressure on animal health and production systems in Africa.

Uzoukwu added that reciprocity in knowledge acquisition and distribution amongst professionals locally and internationally would make Nigeria ready to face the devastating impact of climate change on livestock and ultimately protect the lives of Nigerians as diseases are easily transferred from animals to man.

The College of Veterinary Surgeons, awards post graduate diplomas to deserving veterinary surgeons in Nigeria.

Ugo