- Ministry, supported by L-PRESS launch NAITS to drive modern livestock reforms
Kogi State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Olufemi Bolarin, says National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) will transform the state’s livestock sector, enhance productivity, security and economic viability.
Speaking at the launching of NAITS, in collaboration with Kogi Livestock Productivity and Resilience Enhancement Project (L-PRES), in Lokoja on Thursday, Dr. Bolarin said the system will not only enhance productivity and data-driven planning but will also checkmate incessant menace of cattle rustling, livestock theft and transboundary animal diseases that have over time affected the growth of the livestock sub-sector.
Dr Bolarin stressed that the initiative underscored Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo-led administration’s commitment to bolstering the livestock sector, a crucial component for food security and rural economic growth.
He described the establishment of Livestock Ministry as a right step in the right direction, and reaffirmed government’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure effective livestock registration.
He assured that the Governor’s effort to modernise livestock production in Kogi would not go in vain.
“The NAITS initiative is designed to ensure effective identification, registration and traceability of all livestock across the country.
“In Kogi State, livestock farming remains an integral part of rural livelihoods and food security, the implementation of NAITS comes at the right time.
“With this system, we shall be able to track animal movement, monitor health status, and facilitate trade transparency to create confidence among farmers, herders, and consumers alike,” Bolarin said.
He commended the Governor’s visionary leadership and his continued support towards livestock transformation.
He praised the collaboration and partnership with the Kogi L-PRES Coordinating Office and the development partners for the technical and financial support.
The commissioner explained that the sensitisation training workshop was organised to create awareness and enlightenment on livestock production and management.
Representative of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Abdulkareem Durosinolorun, said NAITS is a national programme under the Federal Government National Livestock Transformation Plan in collaboration with Megacorp Nigeria Limited.
He lauded Kogi Government for keying into the programme to boost livestock production in the state.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Timothy Ojomah, maintained that Gov. Ododo’s led administration would not relent in prioritising all segments of agricultural activities in the state.
Mr Abdulkabir Otaru, Kogi State Project Coordinator of Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (Kogi L-PRES), expressed happiness with the NAITS launch in the state, describing it as a major step forward in the collective efforts to modernise and develop the livestock value chain in Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier, the Ministry’s Director of Animal Husbandry Services, Mr Isah Anate Jimoh, said that his department remained committed to ensuring smooth implementation and sustainability of the programme in the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
“We will continue to work closely with livestock associations, community leaders and security agencies to ensure that every livestock owners participate in the registration and tagging process,” he said.
