Agric ministry warns Nigerians against consuming hides and skin

The Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Maiha, has advised Nigerians against the consumption of hides and skin. Maiha explained that the advice is not only because of the likely health implications of consuming hides and skin but also to avoid loss of revenue and job opportunities in the livestock sector.

Speaking on Friday at the Ministerial briefing series, the Minister stated that hides and skin can create 700,000 jobs and generate about N23 billion. On the lingering issue of herders-farmers conflicts across the country, the minister said that a department of Ranch and Pastoral Resources Development was created to formulate and implement policies towards sustainable management of ranches, grazing reserves and other critical infrastructure for improved livestock management and productivity.

He also informed of strategies to promote efficient use of land within the grazing reserves, strengthen integrated and beneficial crop and livestock exchanges as well as enhance peaceful and harmonious co-existence among farming and pastoral communities.

However, the minister could not give detailed explanation on government’s short-term plans, if any, towards addressing the menace of herders across the country.

But he described the menace as unfortunate, reminding Nigerians of the huge economic benefits of cattle. Nigerian farming communities, especially in the South and North-Central Geo-political zones of the country, have been under the hostility of herders, who are accused of killing farmers and destroying crops, a situation that has contributed to the food shortage witnessed across the country.

Maiha also disclosed the ministry’s plan to have standard abattoirs across the country, where every part of the animal would be utilised for both human consumption and developmental needs, stressing that “in animal kingdom, there is no waste.”

The minister added that a substantial part of the ministry’s capital expenditure for the 2025 fiscal year would be dedicated to developing livestock infrastructure, including modern farms and ranches. He stated that other areas of focus include veterinary clinics, processing facilities, grazing reserves, and disease control programmes.

“It will also fund key projects that improve productivity and ensure a more structured livestock industry,” he added. Under its Development of Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy 2025-2030 (NLGAS 25), the minister projected expansion of the livestock sector’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035, “positioning itself as a key player in both domestic and international markets for animal protein, similar to leading producers like Brazil, Argentina and the United States.”

He added: “Through its 10 strategic pillars, which include Livestock Value Chain Development, Animal Health and Zoonoses Control, Feed & Fodder, Water Resources Management as well as Finance and Insurance, the ministry aims to boost production, improve animal health, guarantee food security, promote inclusivity and strengthen sector governance.”