The Minister of Transportation, Sen Sai’du Ahmed Alkali, has observed that the current state of livestock transportation in Nigeria presents significant challenges from inadequate infrastructure, to safety and welfare concerns for the animals, to logistical inefficiencies that drive up costs for producers and consumers alike.
The Minister who represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry , Mr Adeleye Adeoye Ayodeji, at the 2-day National Conference on Transportation of livestock in Nigeria organised by the National Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) in Abuja said transportation of livestock is a crucial component of Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, connecting livestock producers in rural areas to consumer markets in our cities and beyond.
The theme of the conference is “Developing a Policy Framework for Transportation of Livestock in Nigeria”.
He said as a nation with a population of over 200 million people, we cannot continue with the status quo.
“We need a safe, efficient, hygienic, sustainable, and humane animal transportation system that aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
“As the Minister of Transportation, I recognize that addressing these challenges will require a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder’s approach.
“The transportation of livestock is not just a logistical challenge, it is a critical enabler for the growth and development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“By working together to address the gaps in our livestock transportation systems, we can unlock new opportunities for our farmers and ranchers, ensure the availability of affordable and nutritious food for our citizens and contribute to the broader economic prosperity of our nation,” he said.
Also, the Director General/Chief Executive, Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, Dr. Bayero Salih Farah said their research programs have also helped in solving national transport problems.
He said NITT was instrumental to the development of National Transport Master Plan which is serving as a guide to transport infrastructure development in the country.
He said transportation is the melting-pot of the socio-economic life of every nation, as there is hardly any sphere of the economy that can thrive without transportation.
” Sadly, the transportation of livestock in Nigeria is beset with a myriad of problems such as, lack of regulations and guidelines, inadequate infrastructure, poor sanitation and safety precautions, among others.
“Therefore, livestock are largely transported from one point to another in rickety vehicles and without due consideration for animal welfare issues.
“This sometimes results in accidents and injuries to the animals and ultimately, loss of income to business.
“Transporting livestock therefore, is a complex process, and so requires advanced planning, regulation, and due diligence. Livestock can be moved by road, rail, air and sea.
“As our paper presenters and discussants postulate the policy framework for safe livestock transportation in Nigeria, the following factors should also be taken into consideration: loading and unloading of livestock, overcrowding in confined spaces, extremes of temperature and humidity, and acceleration and deceleration during transit, among other factors,” he said.