Nigeria Launches Capacity-Building Programme to Strengthen Livestock Advisory Services

News in brief:

-The Federal Government is training livestock extension officers nationwide on modern husbandry and animal welfare practices.

-The workshop aims to standardise extension messaging and boost productivity under NLGAS.

A three-day national workshop on Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) has begun in Abuja to upgrade the skills of livestock extension officers from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Organised by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD), the programme aims to standardise field messaging and ensure that modern livestock techniques reach farmers at the grassroots.

Extension Officers Vital to Livestock Transformation Agenda

Speaking at the opening session on Monday, December 1, 2025, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, represented by Mr Joseph Ako, emphasised the importance of well-trained extension officers in driving a commercially viable livestock industry.

Ako stated that extension workers are the 'lifeblood' of the ministry's transformation agenda, serving as a bridge between research innovations and farmers’ daily practices.

“Your role in interpreting national livestock policies and delivering accurate advisory services will determine the success of Nigeria’s livestock development strategy,” he said.

He further urged participants to fully maximise the knowledge they receive for the benefit of livestock producers nationwide.

Programme Anchored on National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy

The workshop is part of the implementation of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NLGAS), a policy framework designed to increase productivity, promote modern production systems, and ensure sustainable animal management.

Over the next three days, participants will receive hands-on training in:

-Good Animal Husbandry Practices and Animal Welfare

-Animal Nutrition and Feed Management

-Animal Health and Disease Control

-Biosecurity, Waste Management and One Health

-Breeding, Reproduction and Record Keeping

-Housing, Handling and Humane Livestock Management

-Extension Communication and Participatory Engagement

By strengthening field-level capacity, the Ministry states that the initiative will enhance livestock performance, improve rural incomes, and support Nigeria’s broader food security goals.