FG, BSI Launch UK-Backed Programme to Improve Livestock Standards

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has started working with the British Standards Institution, BSI, on a new United Kingdom-funded programme to improve quality standards and expand trade in Nigerian livestock and livestock products.

The engagement, held on August 20, follows the completion of a three-year Standards Partnership Programme also funded by the UK.

Discussions focused on supporting Nigeria’s National Quality Policy through stronger cooperation among agencies responsible for standards, certification, quality control and trade.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, said the programme should address key challenges affecting livestock exports, including disease control, export certification, residue monitoring, laboratory testing and sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.

She stressed the need for effective residue monitoring of products such as meat, eggs, fish and honey, as well as stronger domestic testing capacity to detect substances including pesticide residues and heavy metals.

Akujobi also called for disease-free zones, better coordination among government agencies and improved verification of export certificates at ports to reduce product rejection caused by documentation problems.

BSI Project Manager and Team Lead, Riccardo Benvenuti, said the programme would build on the previous partnership and would be implemented in collaboration with the ministry.

He said BSI would first identify the ministry’s priorities and challenges before providing technical support.

The engagement is expected to strengthen livestock quality systems and help Nigerian products meet national and international standards for wider market access.