The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP) has affirmed its readiness to collaborate fully with the Ministry of Livestock Development to advance livestock policies and programmes in the country.
The NSAP President, Professor Olaniyi Babayemi, made the pledge when he led a delegation on a courtesy call on the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, in Abuja.
The visit, according to NSAP, signifies a landmark engagement between the nation’s leading body of animal production professionals and the newly established ministry dedicated to transforming the livestock sector.
Babayemi, who congratulated the Minister on his appointment, also commended the Federal Government for creating the Ministry, describing it as a visionary step that reflects national recognition of livestock’s central role in food security, rural development, and economic sustainability.
“The society is here to partner with the ministry and our members across the country are prepared to deploy their expertise to drive positive impact in the livestock sector,” Babayemi stated.
In a show of solidarity, the NSAP President also extended condolences to the minister over the recent loss of a Special Assistant, Dr. Mustapha Ayodele Popoola and informed him of NSAPs yearly conference scheduled for March 2026 at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
In his response, the minister expressed deep appreciation for the visit and described NSAP as a critical partner in the ministry’s success. He welcomed the society’s commitment, emphasising the need for research to evolve beyond academic pursuits, but towards practical, commercial, and solution-driven outcome.
The minister presented a series of strategic action points for immediate and long-term collaboration such as breed improvement and genetic resource development of local breeds of beef cattle, dairy, pigs, and other livestock, which require urgent attention for productivity enhancement. He also proposed the creation of massive genetic resource centres across the country.
He also mentioned forage production and grassland development to address feed scarcity; feed resources for monogastrics and ruminants; industry research synergy; and capacity building and technical training.
The minister urged greater focus on adding value to animal products and converting agricultural waste into commercial inputs, transforming waste to wealth and adoption of a strategic alliance for livestock transformation.
Maiha assured the delegation that the ministry is ready to work hand-in-hand with NSAP to design, implement, and evaluate strategies that will reposition Nigerian’s livestock industry as a major contributor to food and economic security.
