By Idris Umar, Zaria The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration between agricultural research institutions, ex...
The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration between agricultural research institutions, extension workers and farmers to address challenges affecting Nigeria's livestock industry and improve national food production.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, made the call at the 2026 Annual Research Review and Planning Meeting of the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, held alongside the Livestock Research-Extension-Farmers-Input Linkage System (L-REPILS) Workshop at the institute's headquarters in Shika, Kaduna State.
Represented by the Ministry's Assistant Director of Livestock Programmes, Dr Umar Nuruddin, the Minister described L-REPILS as an important mechanism for translating research findings into practical solutions that would benefit livestock farmers.
He said the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development would continue to support NAPRI and other agricultural research institutions through appropriate policies, strategic partnerships and an enabling environment to strengthen research and development.
Maiha identified animal nutrition, feed resources, animal health, disease control, livestock breeding and genetics, climate-smart production, value addition, processing and marketing as critical areas requiring sustained attention.
He further stressed the need to create opportunities for women and young people to participate meaningfully in the livestock value chain.
The Minister urged participants to ensure that the recommendations emerging from the workshop translated into tangible improvements in livestock productivity, farmers' income and livelihoods.
He commended NAPRI management for bringing together researchers, policymakers, farmers, investors and other stakeholders to discuss practical solutions to challenges facing the sector.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Adamu Ahmed, called for increased investment in agricultural research and effective mechanisms to ensure that innovations developed by researchers reach farmers.
Professor Ahmed described L-REPILS as a collective response to challenges confronting Nigeria's livestock industry, including climate change, the rising cost of quality animal feed, insecurity and inadequate access to essential production inputs.
He said the initiative was consistent with the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
According to him, scientific innovation and a technology-driven livestock value chain are essential to addressing the country's food security challenges.
The two-day meeting, which commenced on Tuesday, November 10, also featured the participation of the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), ABU Zaria.
The Executive Director of IAR, Professor Ado A. Yusuf, was represented by the institute's Deputy Director, Professor Nafiu Abdu, who delivered a goodwill message and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among agricultural research institutions.
Professor Abdu appreciated NAPRI for the invitation and congratulated its Executive Director, Professor M. R. Hassan, on organising the meeting.
At the exhibition centre, IAR displayed some of its research achievements and innovations, including improved seed technologies, horticultural crops and other agricultural technologies designed to support farmers, enhance productivity and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
The exhibition also provided an opportunity for researchers, farmers, policymakers and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and examine the practical applications of agricultural research findings.
The programme continued on Wednesday, November 11, with further exhibitions and presentations under the L-REPILS session, focusing on strengthening knowledge exchange and improving relationships among researchers, extension workers and farmers.
The meeting is expected to contribute to improved research application, stronger institutional partnerships and the development of Nigeria's livestock sector.
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