Livestock Ministry Backs NIAS 2026 Animal Agriculture Conference

News in brief:

-The Ministry of Livestock has committed to partnering with the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science for the 2026 animal agriculture conference.

-This conference will convene experts and stakeholders across Africa to advance livestock production and sustainable growth.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) has pledged to partner with the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science for the 9th edition of the Conference on Animal Agriculture, scheduled to hold in Nigeria in 2026.

Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, announced this resolution while receiving a delegation from the Local Organising Committee led by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NIAS, Udo Herbert, in Abuja.

Ministry Pledges Nationwide Participation

Maiha said the conference would feature lectures and exhibitions, adding that all state offices under the Ministry would actively participate.

He called on stakeholders across the private sector, financial institutions and development partners to support the event, noting that adequate planning is essential to meet international expectations.

According to the Minister, the conference, earlier scheduled for 2025, was rescheduled to 2026 to allow for more comprehensive preparations. He emphasised that global expectations are high for Nigeria as host of the continental gathering.

Conference to Drive Sustainable Livestock Development

In her remarks, the Chair of the Local Organising Committee, Grace Jokthan, said the conference would convene experts, researchers and stakeholders from across Africa.

She explained that deliberations would focus on emerging developments and best practices in animal agriculture and livestock production to foster sustainable economic growth.

Jokthan disclosed that the committee has commenced logistical planning, partnership engagements and participant mobilisation ahead of the event.

Call for Institutional Guidance and Awareness

She appealed to the Ministry to provide strategic guidance and institutional backing to ensure the successful hosting of the conference.

Jokthan further revealed that submissions of papers and abstracts have commenced via the conference website, while awareness campaigns are ongoing across various social media platforms to attract broad participation.

The 2026 conference is expected to serve as a strategic platform for strengthening collaboration and advancing innovation within Nigeria’s livestock and animal agriculture sector.