Livestock sector capable of generating N33trn annually - FG

(Nigeria) Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe has said that the Nigeria's Livestock subsector has a huge economic potential worth over N33 trillion annually, which should be explored and harnessed.

Umakhihe disclosed this during the inauguration of the Edo chapter of Animal Science Association of Nigeria, ASAN in Benin City, Edo State on Monday.

He noted that the subsector was estimated to contribute about 17 percent of the Agricultural Gross Domestic Product, (GDP) and five percent of the National GDP.

"As we all know,  the livestock sector is very vital to the socio-economic development of the country and it represents an important source of high-quality animal protein.

"It provides about 36.5 percent of the total protein intake of Nigerians, generates employment, income, and earns foreign exchange for the country.

"The Edo State government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is interested in improving livestock production, hence the creation of Animal Husbandry Department in the ministry.

 " I urge you all to take advantage of this department to explore the huge potentials in the animal husbandry subsector," he said.

Also speaking, the Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, NIAS, Prof. Eustace Iyayi commended the state government for creating the department of animal husbandry.

"As an institute, we are going to key into the mandate of helping the state grow livestock to harness the potentials in the sector.

"I am confident that at a time when the Nigeria's oil industry is failing, we will be able to tap into the N33 trillion huge potential earnings in the value chain," he said.

According to him, “Edo was one of those states that did have a department of animal husbandry, with our efforts, we ensure that today it has been created.”

National President of  ASAN, Raymond Isiadiino in his goodwill massage, applauded the initiative to inaugurate the Edo State Chapter of the Association.

Isiadiino noted that in face of daunting challenges, the association has made landmark contributions to the advancement of the sub-sector and projected the Animal Scientist as a professional with unlimited potentials.

Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Livestock, Bashiru Kadiri commended the initiative to inaugurate the Edo chapter of ASAN

Kadiri said: "No system can develop if we do not define who plays what role and how.”

According to him, the governor believes that the livestock and the entire animal husbandry must thrive hence the implementation of the Edo state livestock initiative programme in the state.

Highpoints of the event was the inauguration of the ASAN State Executives to be chaired by Mr. Peter Aikhuomobhgbe.