Federal Govt To Regulate Donkey Trade Against Illegal Activities

The Federal Government has signalled plans to regulate Nigeria’s donkey trade and curb illegal activities in the sector, as part of efforts to strengthen livestock development and rural livelihoods.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this in Abuja yesterday during a meeting with the National Association of Donkey Farmers of Nigeria.

Maiha said the ministry would partner with donkey farmers to improve funding, address sectoral challenges and halt illegal trading practices that have persisted for years.

He noted that donkeys remain critical to rural economies, particularly as a means of transportation and support for smallholder agriculture in many communities.

“Donkeys play a very crucial role in rural communities. Their use goes beyond tourism; they are a major source of livelihood and support system for many households,” he said.

The minister added that the government would engage stakeholders to better understand challenges in the sector, including diseases affecting donkey breeds in Nigeria, which he said differ from those found in North Africa.

He also called for the development of research materials and guidelines to support prospective investors, particularly in areas such as breeding, processing and export of donkey skin.

On illegal activities, Maiha disclosed that authorities were reviewing existing laws to address longstanding illicit trade in some markets.

“There are markets where donkeys have been sold illegally for over 15 to 20 years. We are looking at the legislation to stop these practices,” he said.

Earlier, President of the association, Abubakar Kagu, warned that Nigeria’s donkey population was under threat due to uncontrolled slaughter, illegal trade and lack of structured breeding and conservation programmes.

He urged the government to establish clear policies, including breeding and multiplication centres in key producing areas, to safeguard the sector.

Kagu said strengthening regulation and investment would not only protect the species but also unlock economic opportunities within the donkey value chain.