Livestock Ministry to Boost Donkey Business, Stop Illegal Trades

News in brief:

-Nigeria’s livestock ministry plans to collaborate with donkey farmers to develop the donkey value chain and address illegal trading activities.

-Stakeholders say donkey populations are declining due to uncontrolled slaughter and lack of structured breeding programmes.

Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) has pledged to collaborate with donkey farmers to expand the value chain while tackling illegal trade and unregulated farming activities across the country.

The commitment was made by the minister, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during a meeting with the National Association of Donkey Farmers of Nigeria.

Government to Strengthen Donkey Value Chain

Speaking during the meeting, Idi Mukhtar Maiha said donkeys remain an important asset in many rural communities, particularly as a source of transportation and livelihood support for smallholder farmers.

He noted that in several parts of Nigeria, donkeys continue to serve as vital working animals that support rural mobility, agricultural activities, and household income generation.

According to the minister, the ministry is interested in understanding the opportunities and challenges within the donkey business in order to design appropriate support mechanisms for the sector.

“We need to understand from your association the major challenges and opportunities in the donkey business so that we can be in a proper position to support you,” he said.

Addressing Animal Health

Maiha also explained that the ministry intends to work closely with donkey users to better understand the common diseases affecting the animals. He noted that donkey breeds in Nigeria differ from those found in North Africa, making it important to study the specific health challenges affecting the species locally.

The ministry is also seeking technical literature and research that could guide individuals interested in entering donkey farming, particularly for commercial purposes such as skin processing and export.

Government moves to tackle illegal trade

The minister raised concerns about long-standing illegal donkey trading activities in certain markets across the country. According to him, the government is currently reviewing existing legislation to address unregulated sales and illegal slaughter of donkeys.

“There is one market in one of the states where donkeys have been sold illegally for more than 15 to 20 years now. We are trying to examine the legislation behind this to stop illegality in the sector,” he said.

Donkey Population Under Pressure

In his remarks, the President of the National Association of Donkey Farmers of Nigeria, Abubakar Kagu, warned that the country’s donkey population is declining due to uncontrolled slaughtering, illegal trade, and the absence of structured breeding programmes.

He called on the government to support the conservation, protection, and development of the donkey sector through clearer policies and institutional support.

Kagu also recommended the establishment of donkey breeding and multiplication centres in major donkey-producing zones to strengthen the population and support commercial production.

The association said a coordinated policy framework would help regulate the sector, promote sustainable donkey farming, and open up opportunities for investment.

Kagu commended the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development for its ongoing efforts to promote the livestock industry in Nigeria, particularly initiatives aimed at improving donkey production and management.

Stakeholders believe that with proper regulation, breeding programmes, and investment support, the donkey sector could become a viable component of Nigeria’s broader livestock economy.