FG to Introduce Digital Animal Identification to Fight Livestock Theft

The Federal Government plans to introduce compulsory identification and registration of livestock as part of measures to reduce animal theft and improve traceability in the sector.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar-Maiha, announced this in Minna, Niger State, during the inspection and inauguration of an ultra-modern livestock market developed under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support, L-PRES, project.

He said every four-legged animal would be fitted with an ear identification device and registered in a computerised database containing the owner’s details. Changes in ownership would also be recorded when animals are sold, allowing authorities to trace their ownership history.

The minister said animals without identification tags would not be allowed to travel, use modern abattoirs or be sold in designated livestock markets. He also directed that the new market should have adequate water, feeding facilities, drainage and sanitation, while stressing the importance of animal welfare.

Mukhtar-Maiha added that modern livestock stalls and shops would be developed to support youth involvement in animal rearing and fattening. Traders welcomed the proposed digital system, saying it would provide an additional safeguard against livestock theft and improve ownership verification.