FG Aims for Precise Data to Elevate Livestock Sector

A New Era for Nigeria’s Livestock Sector

The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards transforming the livestock sector by launching an initiative to unify livestock data across the country. This move comes as part of efforts to replace guesswork and fragmented records with accurate, evidence-based decision-making.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, emphasized that the era of relying on assumptions and scattered information must come to an end. He stressed that policies must now be based on accurate evidence to unlock the full economic potential of the livestock industry. Maiha expressed confidence in achieving the ambitious $74 billion target, citing his recent visit to Yola where he saw tangible progress.

The Importance of Data-Driven Decisions

Maiha highlighted that Nigeria has accumulated vast amounts of livestock-related data over the years, drawing from multiple national systems and surveillance platforms. However, he pointed out that this data remains isolated and disconnected, creating a fragmented picture of the sector.

“The datasets we have are rich, but they do not speak to each other,” Maiha said. “When data is fragmented, policy becomes fragmented; when data is weak, investments become timid; when data is inconsistent, planning becomes uncertain.”

He emphasized that data harmonization is now an urgent national imperative. Without a unified livestock information architecture, Nigeria cannot accurately measure its national herd, track disease patterns, or design bankable projects that attract investors.

A Unified Source of Truth

The minister described the validation of the National Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework as a turning point for the sector. He envisioned a future where Nigeria has a single source of truth for livestock data—trusted by policymakers, respected by scientists, and relied upon by the private sector.

“This workshop is not about documents; it is about destiny,” Maiha said. “It is about our responsibility to future generations. It is about building a livestock sector that is smart, resilient, financially attractive, and globally competitive.”

Addressing Critical Challenges

Maiha raised important questions about Nigeria’s capacity for mass insemination and extension services. He questioned how many certified inseminators the country has and who would be responsible for inseminating one million heifers across the country.

He also highlighted the cost of milk imports, which currently amount to $1.5 billion annually. Maiha stressed that data, genetics, and technology must drive improvements in the sector.

To close data gaps, the government announced plans for a national livestock census next year. Maiha emphasized that the current methods of estimating livestock numbers are inaccurate and unreliable.

“No matter how, even if we have to stop on the road, on trucks, counting moving herds all over the country… We have to devise a way of doing another livestock census,” he said.

Aligning with National Priorities

Chinyere Akujobi, Permanent Secretary to the ministry, stated that the livestock agenda must align fully with the Renewed Hope priorities of President Bola Tinubu. She emphasized that policies, programs, and reforms in the livestock sector must respond directly to national priorities such as food security, job creation, and revenue expansion.

“Let me emphasize this clearly: all departments, agencies, and stakeholders must key fully into the National Livestock M&E Framework,” Akujobi said. “They must feed into a unified ministry-wide performance system.”

She explained that harmonized data will improve investment readiness, resource allocation, and performance tracking. Fragmented reporting, she added, weakens the capacity to plan, implement, and measure progress. In contrast, a harmonized system backed by accurate, timely, and integrated data strengthens decision-making and enhances resource allocation.

Looking Ahead

As Nigeria moves forward, the focus remains on building a functional and data-driven livestock system. The government’s commitment to data harmonization and accurate reporting is a crucial step toward achieving the country’s economic goals. With the right strategies in place, the livestock sector has the potential to become a major revenue generator and a key player in the global market.