Nigeria's Livestock Ministry Takes Bold Step to Tackle Climate Crisis with New Technical Team

Determined to confront the growing threats of climate change on the nation’s livestock industry, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has launched a dedicated Technical Working Group (TWG) on Climate Change. The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja, marks a major leap toward integrating climate action into livestock development strategies across Nigeria.

Source: International Crisis Group

Leading the event on behalf of the Minister, Alhaji Mukhtar Idi Maiha, was the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ijeoma Akujobi, who called the formation of the TWG both "timely and essential."

“Climate change is no longer a distant issue—it’s at the core of everything we do in livestock development,” Dr. Akujobi declared, underscoring the urgency of embedding climate-smart practices within the ministry’s strategies. She emphasized that the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) 2025–2030 would serve as the blueprint for action, with sustainability and climate resilience at its heart.

The group began with 14 members, drawn from various ministry departments, but expanded during the ceremony to include Mr. Richard Mark, Special Adviser to the Minister, and Muna Racheal, a communications consultant—bringing in broader expertise and strategic focus.

Beyond domestic coordination, Dr. Akujobi urged the TWG to forge strong ties with key agencies like the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) and the Ministry of Environment. She called for proactive involvement in international climate programs and the tapping of global climate finance mechanisms, particularly carbon credit opportunities.

Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed, Director of Sanitary Mandate and Climate Change, spoke on behalf of the newly formed team. “We are proud to be the first government ministry to establish a dedicated working group on climate change,” he said, vowing that the TWG will deliver a robust action plan and communications strategy.

He also revealed strong interest from global development partners, including GIZ through the LIVeSYS project and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), to support the TWG’s initiatives with technical expertise.

“Africa contributes the least to global emissions but bears the brunt of climate impacts,” Dr. Mohammed stated. “This group is committed to ensuring Nigeria’s livestock sector becomes a model of resilience, driven by private-sector innovation and global climate finance.”

Plans are underway to develop a full Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system based on a baseline survey, already approved for funding. He also expressed optimism that Nigeria’s national carbon credit policy will soon be ratified once the long-awaited presidential council meeting is convened.

The ceremony ended on a high note, as each TWG member made a personal pledge to champion climate-smart solutions and strengthen Nigeria’s livestock sector against the harsh realities of a warming planet.

With this bold move, Nigeria positions itself at the forefront of climate action in agriculture—proving that even in a sector as traditional as livestock, innovation and responsibility can lead the way.