The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women and youths as key drivers of a sustainable, innovative and competitive livestock sector, as part of efforts to boost food security, job creation and agribusiness growth for small businesses in Nigeria.
The Director (Technical) in the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Dr Peter Alike, stated this at a capacity-building workshop for women and youths in the livestock value chain held in Abuja between December 29 and 30, 2025. He said strengthening skills across the value chain—from feed production and animal husbandry to processing and marketing—is critical to unlocking the sector’s economic potential for SMEs.
Dr Alike explained that the programme is designed as a continuous, hands-on initiative focused on practical skills, mindset change and innovation needed to build sustainable livestock enterprises. He added that women and youths were prioritised under the ten pillars of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), the ministry’s flagship framework for repositioning livestock as a source of employment, income and national growth.
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Experts at the workshop highlighted climate-resilient breeds, improved genetics, precision nutrition and climate-smart housing, while participants also received guidance on biogas production, modern feed technologies and extension services.
The programme concluded with a study visit to De-Dre Solution Poultry Farm in Kuje Area Council, FCT, where participants gained practical insights into running efficient and sustainable livestock businesses.
