Nigeria implements animal identification and biosecurity measures

Nigeria is implementing new measures to modernize its livestock sector and mitigate economic losses. The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar-Maiha, has introduced a plan to curb livestock theft through mandatory animal identification. Under this initiative, animals will be tagged with ear identification devices and registered in a computerized database to track ownership history. Animals lacking these compulsory tags will be prohibited from traveling, accessing modern abattoirs, or being sold in designated markets.

In Kwara State, the government has launched capacity-building efforts to protect the sector from infectious diseases. Commissioner for Livestock Development, Toyosi Thomas, oversaw a training workshop for 100 farmers focused on biosecurity measures. The program aims to equip farmers with skills in udder health management and biosecurity infrastructure to prevent disease outbreaks that threaten food security and economic stability.