Kogi partners with NAITS to enhance livestock development

The Kogi state government has inaugurated the federal government’s National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) to enhance livestock production and management in the state. The Kogi Ministry of Livestock Development in collaboration with Kogi Livestock Productivity and Resilience Enhancement Project (L-PRES) launched the programme in Lokoja on Thursday. The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr […]

The Kogi state government has inaugurated the federal government’s National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) to enhance livestock production and management in the state.

The Kogi Ministry of Livestock Development in collaboration with Kogi Livestock Productivity and Resilience Enhancement Project (L-PRES) launched the programme in Lokoja on Thursday.

The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Olufemi Bolarin said the launching of (NAITS) was a significant step towards transforming Kogi’s livestock sector, enhancing productivity, security, and economic viability.

Dr Bolarin stressed that the initiative underscored the present administration’s commitment to bolstering the livestock sector, a crucial component for food security and rural economic growth.

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“The NAITS initiative is designed to ensure effective identification, registration and traceability of all livestock across the country.

“This technology 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.

“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 added that the ongoing sensitisation training workshop was organised to create awareness and enlightenment on livestock production and management.

While the commissioner praised the collaboration and partnership with the Kogi L-PRES Coordinating Office and the development partners for the technical and financial support, he described the establishment of Livestock Ministry as a right step in the right direction.

The 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.

Equally, Kogi State Project Coordinator of Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (Kogi L-PRES), Mr Abdulkabir Otaru expressed happiness with the launch of NAITS in the state.

He described it as a major step forward in the collective efforts to modernise and develop the livestock value chain in the State and Nigeria at large.

Earlier, in his remarks, the Director of Animal Husbandry Services in the ministry , Mr Isah Anate Jimoh, reiterated the committed of the ministry to ensure smooth implementation and sustainability of the programme in the 21 Local Government Areas of the

“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”, said Mr Isah Anate Jimoh.