The Federal Government has begun a nationwide effort to harmonise livestock data as part of its plan to modernise and expand the livestock industry. The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development launched the initiative at a multi-stakeholder workshop in Abuja, unveiling a new National Livestock Data Baseline and Monitoring & Evaluation Framework.

The project will create a single, reliable national database covering herd numbers, animal health, production, disease surveillance, and investment opportunities. Officials say the unified platform will end years of fragmented and unreliable data that have hindered effective planning and disease control.

The government estimates that the livestock sector currently contributes $32 billion to Nigeria’s GDP and aims to raise this to $74 billion by 2035 under the National Livestock Growth and Advancement Strategy.

Stakeholders from government, research institutions and the private sector are working to validate the new data model and strengthen reporting systems. The FG says the reforms will support food security, job creation, improved animal-health surveillance and greater investor confidence. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.