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Nigeria’s Federal Government has announced plans to establish a gene bank, which will preserve the genetic makeup of indigenous livestock breeds, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.
This initiative, announced by Minister of Livestock Development Idi Maiha, aims to integrate indigenous breeds into modern livestock production systems, conducting crossbreeding to preserve indigenous genetics.
The gene bank will store Nigeria’s indigenous genetic resources, naturally disease-resistant, to maintain unique livestock breeds rather than replacing them.
Maiha emphasized the importance of this initiative, as Nigeria’s livestock sector is valued at over ₦33 trillion, making it one of the country’s most significant yet underutilized economic assets.
To enhance livestock production and management, the government will leverage technology, having already digitized cattle routes and dams nationwide. This allows for monitoring and tracking activities in grazing reserves at the press of a button.
The government aims to increase the livestock sector’s contribution to GDP from 5% to 10% by 2030, creating millions of jobs and producing sufficient meat, dairy, and other animal products for domestic demand and global competition.
