Mukhtar Harps On Efficient Transport System .... Says It's Key to Livestock Sector Transformation

Idi Mukhtar Maiha 
Minister, Livestock Development Ministry 

"The journey of red meat begins with the vital link between the ranch and the abattoir, where efficiency in transport directly affects both quality and profitability." Maiha.

“Efficient transportation is not just about moving animals; it is about maintaining chain integrity, reducing stress on the animals, minimising holding times at abattoirs, and ensuring steady supply for processing. This is the backbone of a modern, resilient livestock sector."

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, on Tuesday in Abuja the nation's capital restated the need for an efficient and humane livestock transportation, saying it's is critical to transforming Nigeria’s red meat and dairy value chains, ensuring food safety, and enhancing national economic resilience.

Speaking in Abuja at the 7th National Transport Conference of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA), held on Tuesday, 4th November 2025, Maiha said the journey of red meat begins with the vital link between the ranch and the abattoir, where efficiency in transport directly affects both quality and profitability.

“Efficient transportation is not just about moving animals; it is about maintaining chain integrity, reducing stress on the animals, minimising holding times at abattoirs, and ensuring steady supply for processing. This is the backbone of a modern, resilient livestock sector,” he stated.

The Minister underscores the importance of temperature controlled logistics systems, real time tracking and route optimization in maintaining the cold chain and ensuring product quality from abattoirs to the final market. He explained that broken cold chaima lead to microbial growth, spoilage, and significant economic loss.

Turning to the dairy industry, Maiha noted that efficiency is measured in hours, not days, due to the perishable nature of milk. He added that specialised insulated tankers and optimised collection routes are essential to preserving milk quality and extending shelf life.

“Route optimisation software and modern logistics enable milk to move faster from farms to processing plants, ensuring compliance with hygiene and temperature standards,” he said.

The Minister also pointed out the ethical dimension of livestock transport, emphasising that humane handling reduces animal stress and directly improves meat quality. Features such as non-slip flooring, proper ventilation, adjustable partitions, and easy-loading ramps, he said, are integral to animal welfare and product integrity.

On his part, the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa'idu Ahmed Alkali, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing regulatory frameworks that will ensure a coordinated, transparent and accountable transport system across the country.

The Special Guest of Honour, Governor Uba Sani, highlighted Kaduna State’s comprehensive overhaul of its transport system within two and a half years in office. 

He said the initiative, central to the state’s urban renewal agenda, includes 85 urban and rural roads spanning 785 kilometres, with nearly half completed to connect farmers, traders, and commuters, as well as drive commerce, growth, and investment.

During the event, Governor Uba Sani was conferred with the titles of Honorary Fellow and Grand Patron of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIoTA), while Minister Mukhtar received an Honorary Membership award.

The conference, which commenced on November 4th and will run until November 7th, is themed “Repositioning Nigeria’s Transport Infrastructure and Governance Models for Global Competitiveness.”

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Head, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Oghenekevwe  Uchechukwu.