The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated discussions with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to enhance the country's livestock sector. The proposed collaboration aims to strengthen livestock traceability, food safety, and Nigeria's capacity to export meat, honey, and other livestock products. This development was disclosed by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in a statement released on Tuesday.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Chinyere Akujobi, emphasized the importance of animal identification and traceability in the growth of the livestock sector. She noted that Nigeria's trading partners require a system capable of tracing livestock and livestock products through the value chain. Akujobi stressed that quality and safety measures should not only focus on exports but also protect Nigerian consumers.
The ministry is working towards establishing a policy framework for animal identification and traceability and has sought UNIDO's technical input on infrastructure, software, and capacity building. Akujobi also requested UNIDO's experience with identification technologies, including tags and microchips, considering affordability, available equipment, and long-term sustainability for farmers.
UNIDO's Regional Programme Manager, Adalberto Vieira, presented the organisation's areas of potential support. He stated that UNIDO can assist Nigeria in deploying digital technologies for livestock identification and traceability. Vieira noted that linking animal identification to databases would strengthen animal health, build consumer confidence, and facilitate access to international markets.
The proposed collaboration will focus on several key areas, including animal identification and traceability, laboratory capacity, certification, and compliance with international trade requirements. The ministry has identified other areas requiring attention, such as the development of disease-free zones or compartments, training of Federal and state veterinary inspectors, stronger biosecurity, and upgraded laboratory capacity.
UNIDO has expressed readiness to support testing and food safety systems, including laboratory capacity, inspector training, and certification processes. The organisation will also help assess existing national and regional capacities and identify priority gaps. This collaboration is expected to strengthen Nigeria's capacity to export honey, red meat, and other livestock products.
The partnership between Nigeria and UNIDO is expected to have a positive impact on the country's livestock sector. By ensuring that livestock products can be traced, tested, and certified to meet applicable international requirements, Nigeria can increase its exports and improve food safety. The ministry and UNIDO will work together to deploy digital tracking technology and guarantee animal health, build consumer trust, and open doors to related exports.
Key points
- Nigeria and UNIDO are collaborating to strengthen livestock traceability and food safety.
- The proposed collaboration will focus on animal identification and traceability, laboratory capacity, certification, and compliance with international trade requirements.
- The partnership aims to increase Nigeria's capacity to export honey, red meat, and other livestock products.
