Agriculture minister Mukhtar Maiha says strengthening animal welfare standards and adopting sustainable livestock production systems will boost Nigeria’s food security and economic growth.

Mr Maiha stated this at a conference on animal welfare and sustainable animal systems organised by the Animal Welfare Club Nigeria held at the Obafemi Awolowo University on Tuesday in Ile-Ife, Osun.

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.

Mr Maiha emphasised that animal welfare was not just an ethical obligation, but also a strategic component of sustainable livestock development, in line with international standards, while adapting them to local realities.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering commitment to advancing progressive implementation policies that support a climate-resilient livestock system, reduce environmental impacts, 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, including climate change, environmental degradation, market pressure and international trade requirements.

Mr Maiha underscored the importance of collaboration among the government, agencies, the private sector and international organisations in driving reforms in the sector.

The minister noted that the future of Nigeria’s livestock sector depends on balancing 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 guest lecturer, Adetola Ajadi, of the College of Veterinary Medicine at 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 rights to be treated with respect and given maximum comfort.

He noted that 75 per cent of human pandemics are from animal diseases like 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 stated.

(NAN)