Minister eyes $23bn exotic livestock breed market

The Minister of Livestock Development, Dr Idi Maiha, has called on the Raw Materials Research and Development Council to take the lead in the transformation of Nigeria’s livestock sector through research and development.

He stated that the commitment will enable the country to access the $23bn livestock exotic breed market and enhance leather production.

The minister made this call during a courtesy visit by RMRDC Director-General, Prof Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso to the ministry.

A statement by the council on Friday noted that Maiha highlighted several key areas where RMRDC could play a pivotal role, including pasture and fodder development, local production of livestock feeds, and the use of artificial insemination to increase milk yield in cattle.

The minister also called for a focus on promoting exotic livestock breeds such as the Sokoto Red goat, which is renowned for its high-quality leather often mistakenly referred to as “Moroccan leather.”

“This breed has significant potential in the global leather market, which is valued at over $23bn, but Nigeria’s current share remains minimal due to a lack of quality leather products,” Maiha pointed out.

He also emphasised the “need for research into local medicines and vaccines, alongside the development of strategies to protect the skins of livestock species.”

The minister also urged for improvements in cold chain infrastructure and the introduction of solar dryers to improve the quality and shelf life of livestock products, further enhancing the sector’s value.

In response, the RMRDC DG, Prof Ike-Muonso assured the minister of the council’s commitment to advancing the livestock sector through research and development.

He outlined the council’s past and ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting the sector.

These include dairy development projects such as the establishment of milk collection centres in Paikonkore, FCT, and Yola in collaboration with Modibo University in Adamawa.

Ike-Muonso also highlighted the council’s vaccine development efforts, including thermostable vaccine production for poultry in partnership with the Veterinary Research Institute in Vom, Jos.

He further discussed the council’s work on artificial insemination projects aimed at increasing milk yields in local livestock, particularly a collaboration with the Taraba State government.

The statement added that the partnership “is expected to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector, driving economic growth, improving livelihoods, and promoting local content development.

“This collaboration aims to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign inputs, increase agricultural competitiveness, and support sustainable development in the sector.”