The federal government has adopted harmonised national protocols to improve the conservation, characterisation, and monitoring of Nigeria's Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR). The move, announced in a statement issued Thursday by the Livestock Ministry, aims to enhance livestock breeding, prevent breed extinction, and support data-driven policymaking. These protocols were validated at the end of a five-day National Workshop held in Abuja from 28 April to 5 May. The event was organised by the National Coordination Office of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project under the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
Participants included genetic experts, researchers, policymakers, livestock breeders, development partners, and private-sector representatives. They reviewed and endorsed key documents, including standardised protocols for animal genetic characterisation, inventory frameworks, national data collection templates, conservation plans for endangered breeds, policy briefs, finance and investment plans, and communication strategies. The Nigerian Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (NigDAD-IS) and an Animal Genetic Resources dashboard were also approved. These tools are designed to improve data analytics, monitor breed trends, and ensure compatibility with global platforms like FAO's DAD-IS, ILRI's DAGRIS, and AU-IBAR's AAGRIS.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, stated that accurate baseline data is essential for setting breeding objectives and matching breeds to agro-ecological zones. He stressed that continuous monitoring helps detect genetic erosion early and supports timely conservation efforts. FAO Country Representative Hussein Gadain affirmed technical and institutional support for Nigeria's livestock agenda, highlighting the importance of veterinary and genetic services for animal health and market stability. He urged stronger governance, surveillance, and laboratory capacity. L-PRES National Project Coordinator Sanusi Abubakar said the protocols align with FAO standards and support the implementation of Nigeria's National Strategy and Action Plan on Animal Genetic Resources launched in June 2025.
