1 week ago
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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Nigeria’s ambition of topping the chart in milk production and meat sufficiency in Africa is currently under threat.
This is because anthrax outbreaks and widespread cattle malnutrition continue to undermine the livestock sector.
The dreaded disease has killed over 50 cows in Zamfara State and beyond. Added to that is cattle’s poor nutrition from long treks in search of food and water and the overall verdict is that the country’s milk and meat supply remain in jeopardy.
Last month, the Ministry of Livestock Development, through the Director, Information and Public Relations Department, Ben Bem Goong, confirmed the outbreak of the disease in the country.
Anthrax, which is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a zoonotic disease that can affect various warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife, as well as humans.
It is listed as a notifiable disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) due to its potential to cause high morbidity and mortality.
Goong said: “The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development wishes to officially notify the public of a confirmed outbreak of anthrax on a farm in Zamfara State.
“This development calls for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with the disease.
“The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure a swift and effective response.”
Despite the assurances of the government, experts have expressed worry over the porous nature of the country’s borders and the low sensitization of cattle farmers and butchers.
A recent visit to Kabusa Market in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, revealed that most butchers do not know much about the disease and its health implications for cattle.
Also, the malnutrition of cows due to what they eat and inadequate vaccination poses a grave threat to milk production.
In terms of production, cows in Nigeria only cover about 40 per cent of the country’s demand for dairy, unlike the ones in India.
A veterinarian, Idowu Amosun, said the government must eschew all forms of politics and employ the services of professionals to assist in tackling the problem.
“We keep hearing that anthrax disease has been curtailed. But, at the same time, we keep seeing a high rate of fatality. We must be deliberate in tackling the problem. Ranching is something we should also take seriously.
“Modern treatment of herds is something we need to imbibe. When you have healthy cows, you will have enough milk. As it stands, we import more milk than we produce. Then why do we keep fighting ourselves when what we consume is largely imported?”
While speaking at the Nestlé Nigukhtar Idi Maiha, reiterated the commitment of the government to invest in the sector through foreign partnerships.
Maiha said: “As you all know, the dairy sector holds immense potential in Nigeria. As the federal government works tirelessly to diversify our economy, we recognize the critical role livestock production plays in creating jobs, generating income, and improving the nutrition of our people.
“Dairy farming presents a unique opportunity to empower our communities, especially women and youth, who are vital contributors to this sector.
“Furthermore, Nestlé’s investment aligns seamlessly with our national agenda for livestock development by introducing modern farming practices, supporting local dairy farmers, and ensuring the production of high-quality dairy products.
“This project will not only boost our economy and our domestic dairy supply but also reduce reliance on imports.
“Let us reflect on the opportunities it creates. This has the potential to enhance productivity by integrating climate-smart, sustainable practices, building the capacity of local farmers through training, and providing access to improved cutting breeds for crossbreeding with indigenous breeds, notwithstanding modern technological innovations.
“We must provide a reliable source of income for thousands of families in our rural communities via the milk collection center and hub in Abuja and contribute to national food security by increasing the availability of fresh and affordable animal-based protein.
“The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is fully committed to creating an enabling environment for investments like this to survive and thrive.
“We are focused on addressing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and the need for enhanced veterinary services.
“Through partnerships with the private sector and international development agencies, we aim to ensure the livestock sector realizes its full potential.
“I would also like to acknowledge the FCT administration for providing the platform to showcase the importance of sustainable Public-Private Partnerships in achieving livestock sector development.
“Initiatives like these require the active involvement of all stakeholders—government, private sector, academia, and development partners.
“I urge Nestlé Nigeria and its implementation partners to continue to work closely with local farmers, research institutions, and policymakers to maximize the impact of this model farm.
“I have gone around and have seen all the facilities that have been put up here. They are all well thought out and of a high standard.
“I want to urge the management of Nestlé and everybody associated with this project today to please turn the center into a skill acquisition center, a center for capacity building in dairy management.
“You will agree with me that today in the livestock sector, we have a serious gap in terms of capacity when it comes to managing dairy farms as well as feedlots. This center will invariably partner with us in the hope of developing a practical, hands-on experience for training the much-needed manpower for our dairy farmers.
“I, therefore, do believe that in the not-too-distant future, the management of this model farm will collaborate with us in the ministry to develop a curriculum and establish a working relationship so that this place can be turned into a training institute.”
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