Katsina Moves to Modernise Livestock Trade as FG Pushes Transport Reforms

As part of concerted efforts to modernize Nigeria's livestock sector, the Federal Government, through the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has called for a transition from the traditional movement of live animals to a value-driven livestock economy capable of boosting exports, creating jobs and strengthening food security.

The Minister made the call at the North-West Zonal Symposium and Stakeholder Dialogue on Safer and Efficient Livestock Transportation in Nigeria held in Katsina State. The event, organised by the Amalgamated Union of Food Stuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AFUCDN), focused on enhancing road safety in livestock transportation and addressing blockages on national highways.

The symposium also featured the official launch of the union's member e-registration exercise and attracted participants from government agencies, security organisations, livestock producers, traders and transport operators.

Declaring the event open, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, described the gathering as timely and critical to the growth of the livestock industry, noting that livestock movement and agricultural trade remain central to the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.

According to the governor, the North-West continues to serve as one of the country's major livestock production hubs, making collaboration among stakeholders essential for sustainable growth. He acknowledged challenges such as insecurity, transportation bottlenecks and inadequate market infrastructure but assured participants of the state's commitment to modernising livestock production, improving markets and fostering peaceful coexistence.

As part of that commitment, Radda disclosed plans by the state government to establish a modern 2,000-capacity abattoir aimed at driving livestock processing, value addition and industrialisation of the sector.

Speaking at the symposium, Maiha described the Mai'Adua International Livestock Market as a strategic national asset that should evolve from a weekly trading centre into a continuous livestock exchange hub.

"We must stop exporting value and start exporting products and value-added goods," the minister said.

He also highlighted ongoing federal investments in veterinary control posts along livestock corridors to improve animal health management, traceability and market efficiency across the country.

In a major highlight of the visit, the minister formally presented the National Livestock Transformation Roadmap to the Katsina State Government. The roadmap outlines strategic interventions designed to unlock the economic potential of the livestock value chain while supporting national objectives on food security, rural development and export diversification.

Following the symposium, Maiha toured three major livestock enterprises in the state, including Maidebino Farms, which he described as a centre of excellence with an estimated stock of 30,000 sheep and goats.

He also commended The Farm Katsina and Songhai Global Farm Nigeria Limited for their contributions to dairy production and crossbreeding initiatives aimed at reducing Nigeria's dependence on imported dairy products.

Meanwhile, the Katsina State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Ahmad Mohammad Bakori, said the proposed 2,000-capacity abattoir, expected to be completed within 18 months after approval by the State Executive Council, would support meat processing, leather manufacturing and other livestock by-product industries.

The symposium is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to reform Nigeria's livestock sector, improve transportation systems and strengthen the value chain for greater economic returns.

The statement was issued by Henrietta Okokon, Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.