Livestock production critical to food security – Minister
Minister of Defence Christopher Musa has emphasised the need for sustainable livestock production in Nigeria, as part of efforts to strengthen national food security.
Musa said this on Monday in a speech delivered at the 51st Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society of Animal Production, held at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
He said there is a strong link between food systems and national security, noting that food insecurity usually result from conflicts, particularly in rural communities.
According to him, strengthening animal production systems is not only an economic necessity but critical to national stability and peacebuilding.
Musa highlighted the role of the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited (NAFARL) as a strategic initiative aimed at boosting food security and addressing farmer-herder conflicts through structured livestock production.
He said the model had shown strong potential in reducing insecurity, improving productivity, and enhancing value chains.
The minister also referenced key government initiatives, including the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the National Livestock Master Plan 2025–2030, as efforts made to modernise the sector.
He urged stakeholders to adopt climate-smart practices, improved breeding technologies, and sustainable feed systems, while strengthening collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and security agencies.
In his remarks, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Sule Shu’aibu, said livestock production remained critical to food security, job creation, and economic diversification.
Sani said the state government had invested in livestock infrastructure, grazing reserves, veterinary services, and capacity building to modernise the sector.
He added that Kaduna remained committed to policies promoting ranching, improving animal health systems, and resolving farmer-herder conflicts through dialogue and sustainable land-use practices.
Earlier, the Commandant of NDA, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Olatoye, represented by AVM Abdullahi Bello, described the conference as a vital platform for addressing the intersection of agriculture and security.
He noted that Nigeria’s security challenges had significantly impacted agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods, particularly in livestock production.
Olatoye emphasised that civil-military collaboration could facilitate secure grazing systems, promote ranching models, and minimise conflicts while boosting productivity.
Also speaking, the President of NSAP, Olaniyi Babayemi, described the conference as historic, noting it was the first time the event was being hosted in a military institution.
He said the gathering brought together military experts, scientific researchers, and practical farmers, rubbing heads together to address challenges in livestock production.
Babayemi reiterated that livestock production had become a strategic national asset, stressing that food security was fundamental to national security.
He added that the conference would focus on practical solutions, including controlled grazing systems, ranching innovations, and technology-driven livestock management.
The conference, which runs from March 29 to April 1, is expected to generate actionable recommendations to guide policy and strengthen Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), report that a paper on ‘Farmer-herder Conflict , An Appraisal of Ranching as Conflict Resolution Mechanism’ was delivered at the conference.
