By Dele Ogbodo
The Minister of Livestock Development, Mr. Idi Maiha, on Tuesday in Abuja, flagged off the validation of the National Animal Feed and Fodder Policy.
The event brought together stakeholders from across the country and sector value chain for a comprehensive and robust workshop to Kickstart a new beginning in the sector.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister explained that the validation of the draft of the National Animal Feed and Fodder Policy is a key step towards transforming Nigeria’s animal agriculture sector, explaining the importance of the policy in revitalising the livestock sector and tackling long-standing challenges related to feed quality, availability, and coordination.
According to him: “Animal feed and fodder are the lifeblood of any sustainable national livestock production system.
“I urge you to ensure that this document is not only visionary but practical, one that can be implemented at national and sub-national levels to transform our livestock ecosystem.”
Maiha, further highlighted the policy’s alignment with Nigeria’s ambition to grow the sector from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035, identifying feed and fodder development as one of the strongest pillars in this transformation.
The workshop, convened by the Ministry marks a milestone in the country’s efforts to boost food security, economic diversification, and sustainable livestock production.
Earlier, addressing participants, the Director of Monogastric and Ruminants, Mrs. Winnie Lai-Solarin, welcomed attendees and praised their collective contribution to the draft document.
“It is gratifying that, with the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, we are now validating this document. It is the right thing to do at this time,” she noted.
“Whether you contributed at the zonal level, during stakeholder consultations, or through media coverage, your input has brought this document to life.”
In a goodwill message, the President of the National Animal Feed and Fodder Participatory Platform, Prof. Maikano Ari, pledged the platform’s support for the policy’s implementation.
“We have been part of this journey from the beginning and we will make this document a central part of our work plan,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that the solutions embedded in this policy address Nigeria’s biggest challenges in the livestock sector.”
The objectives of the policy were clearly outlined by Prof. Eustace Iyayi, a Special Adviser to the Minister and lead expert in the process to include increasing animal feed and fodder production by 20 percent annually and establishing regulatory standards that guarantee quality and safety for both local and international markets.
Other objectives are accelerating the adoption of commercial livestock production practices by at least 50 percent of farmers within five years and enhancing stakeholder capacity by reaching at least 1,000 beneficiaries through targeted training programs.
“This policy is designed to encourage a competitive feed and fodder industry, foster public-private partnerships, and establish a conducive regulatory environment,” Prof. Iyayi said.
He added, “We must build an ecosystem that supports better nutrition, livestock productivity, and ultimately the well-being of our citizens.”
The National Feed and Fodder Policy document is a strategic and inclusive response to issues such as the seasonality of pasture, sourcing of feed ingredients, limited private sector participation, environmental sustainability, and gender inclusion.
With widespread stakeholder backing and a clear implementation roadmap, the policy is expected to serve as a catalyst for investment, innovation, and productivity in Nigeria’s livestock industry.
The Minister will present the final draft document to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval, as soon as it is ready.
