Mukhtar Pushes Climate Finance Drive to Future-Proof Nigeria’s Livestock Sector

Nigeria’s push to build a resilient and sustainable livestock industry must begin with stronger national capacity to tap into climate-finance opportunities, Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha has said. He spoke in Abuja at a high-level workshop focused on improving access to climate adaptation funding for climate-resilient livestock production systems.

Source: naijnewsaler

The capacity-building session, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in partnership with the African Group of Negotiations Expert Support and backed by GIZ, underscored the growing urgency of aligning livestock reforms with global climate financing frameworks. Mukhtar noted that without the skills to develop bankable green proposals, Nigeria risks missing out on vital resources needed to modernise the sector.

He explained that climate-smart investment and innovative financing are central to the Ministry’s reform agenda, describing them as the backbone for improving veterinary services, strengthening genetics, supporting ranch development and lifting productivity across the value chain. According to him, deliberate access to green finance is no longer optional if the livestock industry is to compete and grow sustainably.

Mukhtar added that these ambitions are clearly outlined in the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy and the Nigeria Livestock Master Plan, which both place climate resilience at the heart of sector transformation. With global markets now demanding higher standards on traceability, animal welfare and emissions monitoring, he stressed that climate-resilient production is essential for competitiveness, food security and social stability.

The Minister praised development partners, private investors and producer groups for their continued support, describing their collaboration as critical to building a nutrition-secure and climate-resilient livestock ecosystem. He urged stakeholders to sustain the momentum and translate policy commitments into tangible investments on the ground.

Other speakers at the workshop echoed the call for action, urging participants to turn Nigeria’s climate challenges into economic opportunities. Discussions also highlighted persistent constraints such as inadequate feed, fodder and water, while stressing that stronger public-private partnerships and targeted financing could unlock new growth pathways for the livestock sector.