Stakeholders urge Livestock Development Ministry to address food insecurity

Agribusiness stakeholders, including the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN), have called on the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development to address food insecurity.
On July 9, 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved the creation of the ministry while inaugurating the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms at the State House, Abuja.
Kola Aderibigbe, Chairman of LCCI’s Agro-allied group, welcomed the ministry’s creation but stressed the need for clear plans to tackle food insecurity. He highlighted the ministry’s potential benefits for the dairy industry and opportunities but raised concerns about increased costs and confusion for integrated farmers dealing with two agencies.
Aderibigbe emphasized the importance of addressing farmer-herder conflicts and hoped the initiative wouldn’t politicize or misuse private lands for grazing.
Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar, President of CODARAN and CEO of L&Z Integrated Farms stated that the new ministry is crucial for realizing the potential of dairy farming and reducing reliance on imports, which amounted to $1.5 billion annually in 2023. He assured that poultry farmers’ interests were considered in forming the ministry. The Poultry Association of Nigeria reported that over 30% of poultry farms shut down in the last six months due to high operational costs, causing a significant increase in egg prices. Source- Punch

OUR REVIEW
The establishment of Nigeria’s Ministry of Livestock Development marks a pivotal moment for the country’s agri-food sector. By addressing food insecurity, this initiative has the potential to enhance the entire value chain, from production to distribution. Agribusiness stakeholders like LCCI and CODARAN underscore the ministry’s role in creating opportunities, particularly in the dairy industry. However, they also highlight challenges such as increased operational costs and potential regulatory confusion for integrated farmers.
Tackling farmer-herder conflicts is crucial for maximizing farmland productivity and ensuring food security. The ministry’s success hinges on its ability to implement clear, actionable plans that facilitate safe farming environments and promote modern ranching practices. This could reduce the nation’s dependency on dairy imports, saving $1.5 billion annually.
For the poultry sector, which has seen significant farm closures due to high costs, the ministry’s initiatives could provide much-needed stability and growth. By addressing these multifaceted issues, the Ministry of Livestock Development can drive informed decision-making and foster sustainable growth across Nigeria’s agri-food industry.