Minister Advocates Livestock Colleges, Tasks ARCN On Innovation

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has called for the establishment of specialised livestock colleges in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for intensified research and innovation to drive sectoral growth.

Speaking in Abuja, when he received a delegation from the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) led by its executive secretary, Professor Garba Sharubutu, Maiha questioned whether existing agricultural colleges adequately serve Nigeria’s livestock needs.

“Are our agricultural colleges sufficient for our population? We must encourage the establishment of dedicated colleges for livestock and animal husbandry,” he stated.

The minister highlighted the need for research in breed improvement, disease management, sustainable feeding practices, and feed and fodder development.

He underscored the importance of genetic improvements and traceability systems to enhance livestock productivity.

Maiha revealed plans to convert Nigeria’s 417 grazing reserves into communal ranches to curb unrestricted cattle movement and improve livestock management.

He also stressed the need for indigenous, drought-resistant grass varieties to support pasture development.

“We are talking about massive regrassing, and we won’t rely on imported grass varieties. ARCN must develop indigenous grasses that are nutritious, hardy, and drought-resistant,” he added.

He further charged ARCN to focus on practical, market-driven research that leads to patents and innovations, stressing that the restructuring of the livestock sector aims to create jobs, generate wealth, and enhance food security.

In his response, Professor Sharubutu acknowledged that Nigeria’s 16 Federal Colleges of Agriculture are inadequate for its growing population.

He noted plans to establish more institutions, particularly in the South-East, which has the fewest agricultural colleges.

Sharubutu also identified challenges facing Nigeria’s 16 Agricultural Research Institutes, including inadequate clinical and laboratory facilities, limited funding, and understaffing.

He called for stronger collaboration with the ministry to address these issues and advance Nigeria’s livestock sector.