In a significant stride forward for Nigeria’s vital livestock sector, the Official Launch of the Nigeria National Strategy and Action Plan on Animal Genetic Resources Management (NSAP-AnGR) was successfully held on Tuesday June 24th, 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria. This momentous occasion also featured the inauguration of the National Advisory Committee (NAC) members, a critical body set to guide the implementation of this strategic and action plan. The event, meticulously organized by the Livestock Productivity & Resilience Support Project (L-Press) National Coordination Office Abuja, took place at the prestigious Nicon Luxury Hotel Abuja. The inauguration ceremony was officiated by the esteemed Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha.
In an opening remark, The National Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity & Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Dr Sanusi Abubakar noted that by the launch of Nigeria NSAP-AnGR and the inauguration of the National Advisory Committee (NAC), Nigeria has taken its rightful place in the Committee of Nations on Animal Genetic Resource management. He emphasized that an effective management, conservation and utilization of our national ANGR is paramount to enhancing productivity and resilience in our livestock industry.
In his warm Keynote speech, the Honorable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha highlighted the essential role of the Ministry in ensuring the successful planning, development and implementation of the contents of the policy document. The Minister announced the Ministry’s preparedness to grant institutional support, provide the necessary budgetary funding and support the creation of a National Gene Bank for the conservation of the countries animal genetic resources. In his word, ‘The role of government is to manage, conserve and sustainably utilize Nigeria’s animal genetic resources to ensure food security’. Alhaji Maiha further announced the formal approval of the Nigeria NSAP-AnGR document for implementation by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. In the Ministers’ closing remark, he promised to forward the policy document on livestock and the list of members of the National Advisory Committee to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in line with global best practices. Among the dignitaries present at the event include, FAO Country Representative for Nigeria and ECOWAS, L-PRES, the National Coordinator, Presidential Livestock Reform Committee, the Registrar, Nigeria Institute for Animal Science, Representative of the Nigeria Governors Forum, the President, Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN), Members of the National Advisory Committee, Staff of the both the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Ministry Livestock Development, Livestock Farmers Association, Policy makers, and many more.
A defining highlight of the inauguration was the inclusion of some distinguished members of the Society for Animal Reproduction and Improvement (SARI) among the newly appointed NAC members. This pivotal selection unequivocally underscores the significant recognition of SARI’s profound expertise and considerable influence within the critical field of animal reproduction and genetic improvement across Nigeria. The esteemed SARI members inaugurated into this vital National Advisory Committee are:
- Professor Idowu Ola, the current President of SARI
- Olawole Tunmise Olagbaju, the Vice-President of SARI
- Ndubuisi Samuel Machebe, the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of SARI Journal/Newsletter
- Professor Udo Herbert, The Registrar Nigeria Institute of Animal Science and member of SARI BoT
- Professor Danjuma Zaharadeen, current Head of Department of Animal Science, ABU, Zaria
- Professor Demo Kalla, a member of Presidential Implementation Committee on Livestock Reform
The appointment of these key SARI figures to the National Advisory Committee carries immense and far-reaching importance for both SARI as a leading scientific society and for Nigeria’s entire livestock sector in general.
For SARI:
- This inclusion provides SARI with a direct and influential voice at the highest national policy- making level concerning animal genetic resources.
- It firmly positions SARI as a key stakeholder and an indispensable partner in the development, diligent implementation, robust monitoring, and crucial evaluation of this vital national strategy.
- This provides a unique and powerful platform for SARI members to contribute their cutting-edge scientific knowledge, robust research findings, and invaluable practical experience to guide national efforts in animal breeding, genetic conservation, and significant productivity enhancement.
- This high-level representation also significantly elevates SARI’s profile nationally and internationally, reinforcing its unquestionable relevance and leadership in animal science within the country.
For Nigeria:
- The direct involvement of SARI’s leadership ensures that the National Strategy and Action Plan on Animal Genetic Resources Management benefits from cutting-edge scientific insights and unparalleled practical expertise in animal reproduction and improvement.
- The SARI representatives will play a vital advisory role to the Minister of Livestock Development and other key stakeholders, offering expert guidance on best practices, emerging technologies, and sustainable approaches to effectively manage Nigeria’s invaluable animal genetic resources.
- Their profound input will be instrumental in ensuring that the strategy is evidence-based, practically implementable, and directly addresses the real-world challenges faced by countless Nigerian livestock farmers.
- This collaborative approach, seamlessly integrating academic excellence with professional expertise, is absolutely crucial for achieving the long-term goals of enhanced livestock productivity and resilience across the entire nation.
A Pivotal Moment for Nigeria’s Agricultural Future
The establishment of a dedicated National Strategy and Action Plan on Animal Genetic Resources Management is a crucial and forward-thinking initiative for Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and long-term food security. Animal genetic resources are the cornerstone of sustainable livestock production, serving as the essential foundation for adaptability to environmental changes, enhanced disease resistance, and significant improvements in overall productivity. Effective and strategic management of these resources is paramount for conserving valuable indigenous breeds, facilitating continuous genetic improvement, and ultimately contributing to enhanced livelihoods for millions of Nigerian farmers and a more resilient national economy. This comprehensive national strategy clearly signifies Nigeria’s resolute commitment to harnessing its rich animal biodiversity for sustainable development.
SARI extends its warmest congratulations to its esteemed members on their well-deserved appointments and eagerly anticipates their significant and impactful contributions to this vital national endeavour, which promises to usher in a new era of strategic management for Nigeria’s invaluable animal genetic wealth.
Professor Ndubuisi Machebe
Deputy-Editor-in Chief
SARI
