Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdulahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the environmental challenges facing different regions of Nigeria. He pointed out that desert encroachment threatens Northern Nigeria’s once arable land, while Southern Nigeria contends with rising coastal flooding and erosion. Abdulahi stressed the urgency of not only mitigating climate change but also implementing policies and strategies that support climate-smart agriculture.
The minister emphasized the importance of a robust livestock sub-sector for ensuring a balanced and wholesome diet for Nigerians. He linked this to the State of Emergency on Food Security declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on July 13, 2023, underscoring the need for affordable protein sources, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings.
Abdulahi highlighted the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) as a key initiative to bolster the livestock sector. He expressed confidence in the commitment of the current administration to position Nigeria among the top players in the global livestock economy.
Abdullah Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), echoed the government’s concern about food insecurity. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to elevate animal husbandry, citing its vital role in supporting livelihoods and contributing to the nation’s protein intake and economic development.
Ganduje acknowledged the global awareness of climate change’s impact on livestock and called for sustainable practices to balance economic and ecosystem services without compromising environmental integrity.
The former governor also advocated for research and innovation in the livestock sector, suggesting the development of a new maize variety exclusively for poultry, monogastric, and dairy feeding to reduce dependence on grain importation.
In conclusion, speakers at the event stressed the urgency of addressing climate change challenges in animal agriculture and called for increased funding, research, and collaboration to ensure sustainable food production and meet the protein needs of Nigerians.
