The newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has kicked off its journey to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector with a two-day retreat focused on crafting a detailed five-year strategic plan.

The retreat, attended by key stakeholders and sector experts, was designed to discuss innovative strategies for modernizing Nigeria’s livestock industry. Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Maiha, emphasized the importance of strategic planning and a unified vision for the sector’s advancement. Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities ahead, Maiha quoted an African adage, stating, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road can lead you there.” He stressed the need for a clear roadmap to achieve sustainable growth in the sector.

Maiha urged participants to approach the process with creativity, resilience, and a focus on measurable progress. He also highlighted the importance of data and performance metrics to track developments and make necessary adjustments along the way.

Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, underscored the necessity of a phased approach, setting immediate priorities while building the groundwork for long-term success. She also emphasized the importance of aligning the Ministry’s goals with national development objectives, particularly as they prepare for the African Development Bank’s assessment of potential projects in the sector.

Muna Onuzo-Adetona, representing the Federal Ministry of Finance, expressed strong support for the Ministry’s efforts to professionalize the livestock value chain. She highlighted the immense potential of the livestock sector to enhance food security, generate wealth, and mitigate climate change. Onuzo-Adetona stressed that the strategic planning phase is critical for creating investment-ready projects that will attract both local and international investors.

The collaborative retreat sets the stage for a robust, data-driven approach to livestock development, aiming to build a more sustainable and economically impactful sector.