Capacity Workshop on Livestock Husbandry Commences In Abuja

"Your role in interpreting national livestock policies and delivering accurate advisory services, will determine the success of Nigeria’s livestock development strategy." Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, Permanent Secretary, FMLD

ABUJA: The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD), has organized a three-day national capacity-building workshop. 

The workshop, which commenced in the nation's capital Abuja, aims to enhance the technical competencies of Livestock Extension Officers from the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory on Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP). 

The programme, is expected to strengthen field-level advisory services and standardise extension messaging across the country.

Declaring the workshop open in Abuja on Monday, 1st December 2025, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, who was represented by the Director, Livestock Extension and Business Development Department, Mr. Joseph Ako, addressed participants at the opening session.

She reaffirmed the Ministry’s mandate to build a modern, structured, and commercially viable livestock industry that ensures food security, drives economic diversification, and enhances farmers’ livelihoods.

The Permanent Secretary noted that livestock extension officers are “the lifeblood of the transformation agenda,” as they serve as the vital link between research innovations and grassroots farmers. 

"Your role in interpreting national livestock policies and delivering accurate advisory services, will determine the success of Nigeria’s livestock development strategy," she stressed. 

Mr. Ako who earlier welcomed participants,  encouraged them to fully engage with the facilitators and maximise the learning opportunity, stressing that their improved competencies will directly impact livestock farmers across the country.

The workshop aligns with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NLGAS), where livestock extension services constitute a central pillar for achieving improved productivity, modern production systems, and sustainable animal management practices nationwide.

Participants will undergo intensive training in key thematic areas, including Principles of Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) and Animal Welfare; Nutrition and Feed Management; Animal Health and Disease Management. 

Other topics include Biosecurity, Waste Management and One Health; Breeding, Reproduction and Record Keeping; Housing, Handling and Humane Practices; Extension Communication and Participatory Methods, etc. 

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