The Minister of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, has called for the strengthening of animal welfare standards and the adoption of sustainable livestock production systems to boost Nigeria's food security and economic growth.
Maiha made the call while delivering a keynote address online at the International Conference on Animal Welfare and Sustainable Animal Systems, organised by Animal Welfare Clubs Nigeria at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) on Tuesday, in Ile-Ife.
The theme was "Recent Advances in Animal Welfare in Africa."
He said that improving animal welfare was critical to enhancing productivity, ensuring public health, and meeting global best practices in livestock management.
According to him, Nigeria must align its livestock policies with modern, science-based approaches that promote the humane treatment of animals while increasing efficiency across the value chain.
Maiha emphasised that animal welfare is not just an ethical obligation, but a strategic component of sustainable livestock development — one that requires aligning with international standards while adapting them to local realities.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to implementing progressive policies that support climate-resilient livestock systems, reduce environmental impact, and encourage responsible animal husbandry practices.
"Globally, evidence continues to show that the humane treatment of animals improves productivity, reduces disease outbreaks, enhances food security, strengthens trade opportunities, and builds consumer confidence.
"In Nigeria, livestock contributes significantly to livelihoods, nutrition, employment, and the national GDP, sustaining millions of households — from pastoral communities in the North to poultry, aquaculture, and small-ruminant enterprises across the country," he explained.
The Minister identified key challenges facing the sector to include climate change, environmental degradation, market pressure, and international trade requirements.
Maiha underscored the importance of collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and international organisations in driving reforms in the sector.
The Minister affirmed that the future of Nigeria's livestock sector depends on the ability to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and animal welfare.
Maiha assured that such efforts would contribute significantly to job creation, poverty reduction, and national development.
The first Guest Lecturer, Prof. Adetola Ajadi of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, spoke on "Animal Welfare and Pain Mitigation."
Ajadi stressed that livestock producers, traders, and transporters must recognise that animals have the right to be free from hunger, thirst, pain, stress, and fear, and deserve to be treated with respect and given maximum comfort.
He noted that 75 per cent of human pandemics are coming from animal sources, such as Ebola, COVID-19, Avian Influenza, and Swine Flu, among others.
"Animals that are well treated are healthier and more productive, which ultimately benefits farmers and consumers, so people should ensure adequate care is given to them," he said.
The second Guest Speaker, Prof. Adeola Oluwabiyi, Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Ilesa, delivered a lecture on "Animal Welfare and Legislative Backing in Nigeria."
Oluwabiyi said that Nigeria has existing regulations, but enforcement remains weak, thereby exposing animals to cruelty and undermining productivity in the livestock value chain.
She called for stronger legislative backing to promote animal welfare and ensure sustainable livestock development across the country.
"The National Assembly should prioritise bills that would strengthen animal welfare provisions and ensure strict compliance through monitoring and sanctions," she said.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Bukola Oyebanji, welcomed all who graced the occasion and restated that animals cannot protect themselves, but that humanity must integrate welfare, sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity on their behalf.
Oyebanji admonished livestock producers, traders, and transporters to recognise that animals have the right to be free from hunger, thirst, pain, stress, and fear, and deserve to be treated with respect and given maximum comfort.
She emphasised that the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW), which oversees animal welfare matters, was inaugurated at the event, while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha were each presented with awards.
The personalities present included the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Oluropo Akinfala; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, represented by Oba Adekunle Adebowale, the Agbolu of Agbaje-Ife.
Others present were the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, OAU, Prof. A.O. Ajayi, represented by the Vice-Dean, Dr. F.O. Tijani, as well as stakeholders, researchers, farmers, butchers, cattle rearers, students, and others.
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