Nigeria Unveils Plan to Digitise Livestock Sector for Greater Efficiency

Nigeria is taking a bold step toward transforming its livestock industry through a sweeping digital reform designed to enhance transparency, coordination, and productivity. The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has entered into a strategic partnership with OneServe Technologies Limited to establish a National Livestock Digital Public Infrastructure (NLDPI), a system expected to revolutionise how the country manages and tracks its vast livestock resources.

During a meeting with OneServe’s delegation in Abuja, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, revealed that the digital platform will streamline animal transportation, registration, and monitoring nationwide. He explained that only officially registered wagons would be allowed to transport animals under the new system, a move aimed at curbing illegal movement and improving disease control. Maiha added that custom-built livestock wagons were being designed to ensure safer and more hygienic transportation.

The minister emphasised that the digital system would not only serve as a regulatory tool but also open up new opportunities for farmers, veterinarians, and investors. With a comprehensive national database and a well-structured master plan, stakeholders across the value chain would gain access to reliable data to guide policy, planning, and investment decisions.

Representing OneServe Technologies, Team Lead Ibrahim Ahmed explained that the platform would integrate essential information such as market locations, livestock breeds, veterinary services, and transport companies. He noted that users would be able to locate nearby veterinarians and transporters with verified credentials, ensuring trust and efficiency in livestock transactions.

The initiative reflects the Tinubu administration’s renewed commitment to repositioning livestock production as a vital driver of food security and economic growth. Established in July 2024, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development was carved out of the agriculture ministry to focus exclusively on modernising livestock management and supporting national reform efforts.

By embracing digital innovation, Nigeria aims to overcome long-standing sector challenges—poor data systems, fragmented value chains, and inadequate infrastructure—while learning from successful models like Tanzania’s. The NLDPI project marks a defining moment in the country’s livestock transformation journey, setting the stage for a more organised, data-driven, and globally competitive industry.