The Minister in charge of livestock development, Dr. Idi Maiha, has asked the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to lead the way in improving Nigeria’s livestock industry through research and new ideas.
Dr. Maiha made this call during a courtesy visit from the RMRDC Director-General, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso. He pointed out that Nigeria’s livestock sector has a lot of potential. He highlighted the worldwide market for special livestock breeds, which is worth $23 billion, and said that Nigeria could benefit a lot from this market, both in terms of money and leather production.
The minister pointed out several ways the RMRDC could help improve the sector:
1. Pasture and Fodder Development: This would help support sustainable livestock farming.
2. Local Feed Production: This would reduce the need for imported animal feed.
3. Artificial Insemination: This would increase milk production and improve the quality of livestock.
4. Promotion of Exotic Breeds: This includes promoting breeds like the Sokoto Red goat, which is known for its high-quality leather often sold worldwide as “Moroccan leather.”
Dr. Maiha mentioned that Nigeria’s leather industry could greatly benefit from these efforts. He explained that the country’s leather quality is currently poor, which limits its share in the global market.
He also suggested focusing on:
- Developing local vaccines.
- Researching traditional medicines.
- Finding ways to protect livestock skins from damage.
Lastly, he stressed the importance of better infrastructure, such as cold storage and solar dryers, to improve product quality and extend their shelf life.
