FG Unveils Digital Livestock Platform, Promotes Local Leather Processing

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to modernising the livestock sector through digital technology and increased investment in value addition across the industry.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made the pledge during a working visit to Kano State. He unveiled the Kano State Livestock Information Management System at the Gwale Model Veterinary Hospital and said the Federal Government's planned national digital platform will connect with the state's system to improve data sharing and livestock planning.

Maiha said the digital platform will support livestock registration, veterinary services, disease surveillance, vaccination records and farmer support. He urged Kano State to expand the system to cover all areas of the livestock value chain.

The minister also inspected the KANOTAN S.A. Tannery Industry, where he called for increased investment in local leather processing. He said Nigeria should produce more finished leather goods instead of exporting semi-processed hides and skins. KANOTAN Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Dankulu, said the company processes up to 50,000 skins daily and employs about 1,000 permanent workers, while the National Leather and Leather Products Association of Nigeria called for the establishment of skin collection centres to improve raw material supply.