The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) has inaugurated a 15-member Technical Working Group (TWG) on Climate Change, tasked with driving efficiency, innovation, and effective service delivery in Nigeria’s livestock sector.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ijeoma Chinyere Akujobi, emphasized that climate change is a key pillar in the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS 2025–2035), the Ministry’s strategic blueprint.

He underscored the need for a sectoral climate action plan, stressing that livestock must remain central to national and global climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. The Minister further urged the TWG to establish strong frameworks for resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and communication strategies, as well as to foster partnerships and collaborations to protect livestock production systems from climate risks.

“Climate change is already impacting Nigeria’s livestock sector. To safeguard productivity and livelihoods, we must adopt proactive measures, set measurable targets, and pursue innovative solutions,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated group, Dr. Ishaku Mohammed, Director of Sanitary Management and Climate Change at the Ministry, noted that Nigeria remains highly vulnerable to climate shocks. He assured that the TWG, with its technical expertise, would deliver on its mandate to develop robust adaptation and mitigation strategies.

He revealed that international partners, including the German International Cooperation (GIZ), have expressed readiness to support the TWG through capacity building and technical assistance.

Significantly, the Ministry of Livestock Development has become the first government institution in Nigeria to establish a dedicated climate change technical working group, positioning the livestock sector as a leader in climate-smart policymaking.

With the TWG now in place, the Ministry aims to ensure that Nigeria’s livestock sector is equipped to withstand the challenges of a changing climate, while advancing sustainable growth and safeguarding rural livelihoods.