FG optimistic of generating N33tr yearly from livestock

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, yesterday, said Nigeria’s livestock subsector has economic potential worth over N33 trillion yearly and should be explored and harnessed.

Umakhihe disclosed this during the inauguration of the Edo chapter of the Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) in Benin City, Edo State.

He noted that the subsector was estimated to contribute about 17 per cent of the agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and five per cent of the national GDP.

“As we all know, the livestock sector is very vital to the socioeconomic development of the country and it represents an important source of high-quality animal protein.

“It provides about 36.5 per cent of the total protein intake of Nigerians, generates employment, and income, and earns foreign exchange for the country.

“The Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is interested in improving livestock production, hence the creation of the animal husbandry department in the ministry. I urge you all to take advantage of this department to explore the huge potential in the animal husbandry subsector,” he said.

In his remarks, the Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), Prof. Eustace Iyayi, commended the state government for creating a department of animal husbandry.

“As an institute, we going to key into the mandate of helping the state grow livestock to harness the potential in the sector.

“I am confident that at a time when Nigeria’s oil industry is failing, we will be able to tap into the N33 trillion huge potential earnings in the value chain,” he said.

According to him, Edo is one of the states that does not have a department of animal husbandry, but their efforts ensured its creation.

The National President of ASAN, Raymond Isiadiino, in his goodwill message, applauded the inauguration of the Edo State chapter of the association.

Isiadiino noted that in the face of daunting challenges, the association had made landmark contributions to the advancement of the sub-sector and projected the animal scientist as a professional with unlimited potential.

The Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Livestock, Bashiru Kadiri, also commended the initiative.

According to him, the governor believes the livestock and the entire animal husbandry must thrive, hence the implementation of the state livestock programme.