Nigeria spent N1.65trn on livestock, animal products importation in 4 yrs ― Don

PROFESSOR of Animal Science, National Open University of Nigeria, Gregory Okagbare has disclosed that Nigeria between 2014 and 2017 spent over N1.65 billion in importing live animals and animals products.

He said the controversy surrounding the plan by the Federal Government to establish grazing reserves across states of the federation was unnecessary as this was the only way to end farmers and herders conflicts.

Okagbare, who is the current Director, Directorate of Learner Support Services of NOUN, spoke at the 13th inaugural lecture of NOUN, which he delivered with a theme: “That All May Eat.”

He said a large amount of money spent on importation suggested a huge deficit supply of livestock and livestock products in Nigeria.

He, however, noted that the contribution of livestock to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016 was 1875.78 billion, which constituted 1.85 per cent of GDP.

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He said the theme of the lecture was selected bearing in mind the challenges of food security, hunger and malnutrition in the country and the need for concerted efforts to address the problems.

He called for resuscitation livestock and sustenance of the Nigerian livestock industry, in order to meet the increasing demand for livestock products by the populace.

Okagbare noted that the violent conflicts between farmers and herdsmen in some parts of the country have led to declining in agricultural production.

He said in order to address this, “The few grazing reserves already put in place should be revitalized, and more reserves should be created in the six agro-geographical zones of the country.”

He added that every community should set aside areas within their communities for livestock rearing while urging both Federal and State governments to increase funding of researches in livestock production.

said: “Nigeria is blessed with abundant livestock yet, the dearth of animal protein in the diets of most Nigerians remains a major problem. The industry is bedevilled with a lot of problems which resulted in negative growth of the sector.

“There is the spate of insecurity in the country with farmlands becoming unsafe. Reports abound of incessant bloody clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers, the activities of the rustlers and kidnappers have instilled fear in the minds of livestock farmers.

“This, in turn, reduces livestock production, reduces farmer’s income, and heightens malnutrition and poverty in the land,” he said.