Data on Animal Genetic Resources Critical for Evidence-Based Policy, Livestock Productivity

News in Brief:

-Nigeria's livestock department stressed that accurate data on animal genetic resources is key to livestock productivity, resilience, and informed policymaking.

-The statement was made during a national capacity-building workshop to improve data collection and management systems.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr (Mrs) Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, has highlighted the importance of collecting and managing accurate data on Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) as the foundation for evidence-based policy, research, and sustainable livestock productivity.

Dr Akujobi made this known during the National Capacity Building Workshop on Data Collection and Management of Animal Genetic Resources, organised by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) in collaboration with the Ministry. The workshop took place in Abuja on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Represented by Dr Peter Alike, Director, Technical, in the Office of the Permanent Secretary, she emphasised that animal genetic resources are central to livestock performance, resilience, and climate change adaptation.

Livestock Data as a Pillar for National Food Security

“The workshop could not have come at a more opportune time, as the livestock sector continues to play a critical role in national food security, economic development, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability,” Dr Akujobi said.

She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the livestock industry through innovation, science, and technology, stressing that accurate and harmonised data remains essential to achieving that transformation.

Harnessing Nigeria’s Rich Animal Genetic Diversity

Dr Akujobi acknowledged that Nigeria is richly endowed with diverse indigenous animal breeds, yet weak data systems have limited their potential.

“The lack of robust and harmonised data collection and management systems has hampered our ability to fully harness this potential,” she noted.

The Permanent Secretary described the workshop as a strategic step toward building institutional and human capacity, improving the reliability of livestock data, and aligning Nigeria with continental and global strategies for the sustainable management of these resources.

Modernising the Livestock Sector

She further emphasised that the Ministry is implementing the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), a flagship framework designed to modernise and transform Nigeria’s livestock sector into a productive, inclusive, and data-driven industry.

“The NL-GAS provides a clear roadmap for improving animal genetics, enhancing feed and fodder systems, strengthening veterinary services, and promoting data-driven decision-making across the entire value chain,” she explained.

Dr Akujobi assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s continued support in implementing the workshop’s outcomes. She pledged ongoing collaboration with AU-IBAR, regional bodies, research institutions, and development partners to strengthen livestock policies and promote sustainable development across Nigeria.