Idi Mukhtar Maiha, minister of Livestock Development, Attahiru Jega, special adviser and coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform, have been conferred with the Honorary Fellowship Award of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) in recognition of their outstanding contributions to national development and the advancement of Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The conferment took place on Tuesday, during the Animal Science Meeting, Induction, and Exposition, jointly organized by NIAS and the Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) in Abuja.
In his remarks, Mukhtar described the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a major milestone for Africa’s livestock transformation, noting that it has attracted global attention and renewed investor interest.
“Nigeria must preserve its native livestock species while improving productivity to meet the national demand for milk and meat,” he said.
“The Nigerian red meat market is worth over $3.2 billion. If we tap into this potential, we can feed our 230 million people with milk and beef from Nigerian breeds and still have enough for export.”
Mukhtar expressed appreciation to NIAS for the honour, describing the award as a call to greater service. He urged researchers and innovators to focus on commercializing scientific breakthroughs for measurable impact in the livestock sector.
“Research, development, and creativity must be commercialised. The solutions to feed and fodder, animal health, and breed improvement are right here among us,” he stated.
Delivering the keynote address, Tunde Amole, Country Representative of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), noted that Nigeria’s livestock sector currently contributes 5.1 percent to the nation’s GDP.
He called for a paradigm shift that would transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth.
The event also featured the induction of 252 Registered Animal Scientists (RAS) and five associate members. Among the inductees was Jirgi Dorcas John, Deputy Director in charge of Feed and Fodder at the Department of Ranch and Pastoral Resources, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD).
Udo Herbert, registrar/CEO of NIAS, and Suleiman Elias Bogoro, chairman of the NIAS Board of Fellows, commended the awardees for their dedication to advancing livestock science and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
