The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has announced its commitment to collaborate with the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to address climate change challenges affecting Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Chinyere-Ijeoma Akujobi, made this known during a meeting with a delegation from the two banks on Wednesday in Abuja.
She said the partnership aims to unlock opportunities for sustainable growth and resilience in the industry and that the collaboration is strategic in realising the ministry’s strategic goals.
“The proposed collaboration aligns with our mandate to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on livestock production, safeguard livelihoods, and promote environmentally responsible practices throughout the value chain,” the permanent secretary said.
Represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry Mr. Ohaeri Ezenwa, Dr. Akujobi highlighted the livestock sector’s significance to Nigeria’s economy.
She pointed out that “Despite its importance, the sector is highly vulnerable to climate variability and change,” outlining its implications for animal health, productivity, and greenhouse gas emissions.
While emphasising the urgency of robust policies and reliable data to address the impacts of climate change, the Director (Technical) and Team Lead of the Technical Working Group on Climate Change, Dr. Alike Peter, explained that “These realities underscore the need for evidence-based policies and coordinated national action to drive climate-smart livestock development.”
Dr. Peter said that the Technical Working Group supports the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NLGAS), which aims to double the sector’s contribution to GDP from approximately $32 billion to $74 billion in a decade.
He added, “Both growth pathways have direct implications for greenhouse gas emissions, making climate considerations crucial in livestock development planning.”
The ministry is also collaborating with the World Bank to establish a national methane baseline and develop evidence-based mitigation measures.
Dr. Peter said, “Ongoing collaborations aim to strengthen Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and access carbon markets.”
Dr. Harrison Charo Karisa, a representative from the World Bank Group, highlighted opportunities in climate-smart aquaculture, the blue economy, and carbon markets.
“Seaweed can serve as a nutritious livestock feed supplement rich in essential vitamins and minerals,” he noted.
Chief Livestock Officer at AfDB, Dr. Youssouf Kabore, commended the ministry’s proactive approach and assured the bank’s support in implementing effective interventions in the livestock sector.
