Nigeria to Digitally Map 815 Livestock Markets in New NADF Partnership

News in Brief:

-The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is partnering with NADF to create a livestock digital infrastructure that enhances transparency and visibility across Nigeria’s livestock sector.

-The initiative will digitally map over 815 livestock markets, support youth and women capacity-building, and promote Nigeria’s livestock industry globally.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has announced a strategic collaboration with the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) to create a digital public infrastructure for livestock, aiming to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector.

During a courtesy visit by NADF officials in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, emphasised the importance of technology in improving visibility, efficiency, and coordination within the livestock value chain.

“We need to develop this infrastructure and put it in the public domain so that our customers, local, regional, and international, will know who we are,” Maiha said.

A New Era of Livestock Digitisation

According to the Minister, the digital platform will serve as a comprehensive database capturing details about the sector’s key players, ongoing programmes, compliance requirements, and operational guidelines.

He added that with over 815 livestock markets nationwide, it was time to digitally map them to enhance traceability, market linkages, and investment opportunities.

“It’s no longer about moving around with sticks and animals; we must leverage technology to connect our markets and showcase the strength of Nigeria’s livestock industry,” he added.

Support Areas and Capacity Building

Maiha also pointed out that the Ministry aims to advance digital transformation across the livestock sector, ensuring easy access to information about government initiatives and programmes.

He mentioned plans for a customised livestock transportation system and capacity-building programmes for women and youth engaged in livestock production and trade.

NADF’s Commitment to Collaboration

In response, Mohammed A. Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of NADF, expressed the agency's readiness to collaborate with the Ministry. He noted that digitisation within agriculture is vital for productivity, transparency, and competitiveness.

“We are here to brainstorm and identify ways our agency can partner with the Ministry to achieve its goals. Digitisation within the agricultural sector is critical in today’s world, and we are ready to support this initiative,” Ibrahim said.