By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has announced plans to adopt Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to transform the livestock sector.
This initiative is aimed at enhancing tracking and traceability, improving efficiency, and promoting transparency in livestock management across the country.
Speaking in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the move to digitalise the livestock sector is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to modernise agriculture and livestock production.
A statement by the
Director, Information and Public Relationship Department on Friday said that the Minister stressed the importance of traceability as a key element in addressing challenges in disease control, food safety, and international market competitiveness. He added that through the implementation of DPI, livestock tracking will become more streamlined, enabling stakeholders to monitor the movement and health status of animals in real time.
This move is expected to boost consumer confidence in locally produced livestock and position Nigeria as a major player in the global livestock trade.
“Adopting digital technology in the livestock sector is no longer an option; it is a necessity. Our goal is to ensure that the livestock value chain, from breeding to marketing, is as efficient, sustainable, and profitable as possible. With the use of innovative solutions, we can reduce disease outbreaks, enhance productivity, and improve the livelihood of pastoralists,” the Minister explained.
In his presentation, co-founder of Livestock 247, Ibrahim Maigari, exoressed the company’s vision of integrating a digital infrastructure that will allow for seamless tracking of livestock across the country.
“We are here to present the National Livestock Digital Public Infrastructure. And we believe this is going to be a revolution. It’s going to be a game-changer.
“Our goal is to create a robust system that not only tracks livestock but also provides transparency at every level. By building a digital registry, we will improve market efficiency, with easier access to verified information on prices, breeds, and market conditions. Additionally, it will enhance animal health services, making it easier to track and manage zoonotic diseases,” Mwegeri stated.
He added, this will clearly establish a “single source of truth” for livestock data, as the system will allow anyone, whether an individual or an investor, to access verified livestock market data at the touch of a button.
He added, This will improve market efficiency, with easier access to verified information on prices, breeds, and market conditions. Additionally, it will enhance animal health services, making it easier to track and manage zoonotic diseases.
Livestock 247’s mission focuses on leveraging technology to address key challenges in the sector, including the prevention of zoonotic diseases. The company has been involved in numerous projects, such as the advanced local dairy development project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has seen successful interventions in over 2,000 rural communities and animal health services for more than 200,000 cattle across Nigeria.
The proposed digitalisation will include the development of a national livestock database, the introduction of digital tools for farmers, and the training of personnel to operate and maintain the infrastructure.
