The Federal Government has directed livestock traders and handlers to adopt modern practices, including compulsory animal identification, as part of measures to curb livestock theft and strengthen the sector.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar-Maiha, gave the directive in Minna during the inspection and inauguration of an ultra-modern livestock market developed under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.
Mukhtar-Maiha was in Niger State for a two-day working visit to assess L-PRES projects across the state.
He said every four-legged animal would be fitted with an ear identification device and registered in a computerised database containing details of its owner.
According to him, the system would also capture changes in ownership whenever an animal was sold, allowing authorities to trace animals and establish their ownership history.
The minister said animals without compulsory identification tags would not be allowed to travel, access modern abattoirs or be sold in designated livestock markets.
Mukhtar-Maiha said the Federal Government remained committed to transforming livestock production into a sustainable and profitable enterprise.
He noted that the establishment of modern processing facilities would create increased demand for cattle, sheep and goats, while providing opportunities for livestock producers and traders.
The minister directed that the newly inaugurated market be equipped with adequate water supply, feeding facilities, proper drainage and sanitation.
He stressed that animal welfare remained central to modern livestock management and called for facilities that would promote healthier and safer livestock handling.
Mukhtar-Maiha also said the ministry would collaborate with relevant stakeholders to establish modern stalls and shops where young people could engage in livestock rearing and fattening.
He added that the facilities would create employment opportunities for youths and support the development of the livestock value chain.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area, Mustapha Jibrin-Alheri, described the project as a major boost to livestock traders in the area.
Jibrin-Alheri, represented by his Chief Protocol Officer, Muhammed Ibrahim, expressed concern over health risks associated with human-animal interaction and commended the L-PRES intervention.
He said the council monitored the project to ensure its timely completion, adding that the facility would provide livestock handlers with a safer and more conducive environment for their businesses.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu and Niger State Governor Umaru Bago for the facility, while appealing for additional shelters, traders’ rooms and small slaughtering facilities to support the growing livestock business.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Turaku Sheep and Goats Traders Union, Muhammad Hadi-Garkuwa, described the market as a major breakthrough for livestock traders and a potential source of employment for youths.
Hadi-Garkuwa said people could earn a living from various activities within the market, including animal skinning, washing and the sale of ropes and other livestock-related materials.
He said traders already had measures in place to verify ownership before animals were offered for sale, adding that they welcomed the proposed digital identification system as an additional safeguard against livestock theft.
