History was made at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife on Tuesday where the Federal Government
identified key challenges confronting animal welfare, including environmental degradation, weak enforcement of standards, poor infrastructure for humane handling, and rising antimicrobial resistance at the first Animal Welfare Conference in Nigeria.
At the conference said to be aimed at advancing research on animal care and sustainable livestock production with the theme “Recent Advances in Animal Welfare in Africa” held at the University campus with the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. A.O. Ajayi, serving as host, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha delivered the FG message virtually.
The Minister disclosed that “addressing these issues requires a coordinated system that integrates animal welfare, sustainability, innovation, and inclusiveness”, adding “the conference provides an opportunity to move from dialogue to concrete action.
“The Federal Government is strengthening regulatory frameworks to align with global standards, while also investing in capacity building for veterinarians, livestock handlers, and other stakeholders in the value chain while the ministry is promoting climate-smart and welfare-friendly production systems, as well as improving certification and quality assurance mechanisms to enhance market access and consumer protection.
“The government is encouraging partnerships with academic institutions, private sector actors, and international organisations”, adding, “that sustainable transformation in the livestock sector cannot be achieved by government alone”, he added.
Maiha therefore urged researchers and stakeholders to intensify collaboration across disciplines and adopt practical, scalable solutions that will improve animal welfare and support national development.
“This conference is the beginning of a sustained movement, a national and continental reference point for animal welfare and sustainable livestock systems in Nigeria. The Ministry of Livestock stands ready to review and refine policies or frameworks that emerge from this conference. I hereby declare my full support for the objectives of this conference and look forward to robust discussions, innovative ideas, and actionable recommendations that will emerge from it”, the Minister further explained.
Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who was represented at the event, expressed readiness to collaborate with animal welfare organisations and support research initiatives aimed at improving animal care in Africa.
The OAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Oluropo Akinfala in his address described animal welfare as a critical component of sustainable agriculture and national development.
He noted that “global attention is increasingly focused on the link between animal welfare, productivity, food security, and environmental sustainability”, adding that “humane practices contribute to improved animal health and more resilient agricultural systems”.
Prof. Bamire highlighted ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, including the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, stressing the need to integrate animal welfare into policy, research, and innovation as he commended the Animal Welfare Society of Nigeria and the conference organisers for bringing together experts to address key issues in animal care and livestock management.
The OAU VC also acknowledged the support of the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW), noting that its research and training initiatives have strengthened global collaboration and capacity building in animal welfare science.
He added that the conference would provide participants with opportunities for knowledge exchange, networking, and the development of practical solutions to challenges in animal welfare and sustainable agriculture.
“As a leading institution of higher learning in Africa, OAU remains committed to advancing research that addresses real-world challenges. Our scholars continue to contribute significantly to agriculture, veterinary science, environmental sustainability, and wildlife development. This programme aligns perfectly with our institutional vision of promoting research that supports national development and global sustainability”, the VC further stressed
Commending the organisers of the conference, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, said the railway sector has repositioned its efforts for the transport of animals and animal products in the country, saying, “the corporation is ready to partner with the Nigeria Society for Animal Welfare to ensure the comfortable movement of animals across the country”.
The Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Bukola Oyebanji, while chatting with newsmen described the conference as a milestone, noting that “it is the first of its kind in Nigeria dedicated solely to animal welfare and explained that the conference aims to assess the current state of animal welfare in Nigeria and Africa, with a view to identifying gaps and developing practical solutions for improvement”.
She added that the gathering brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, livestock dealers, and industry players, to promote inclusive participation and chart a way forward for animal welfare development.
The event was attended by government officials, researchers, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, representatives from FrieslandCampina WAMCO, L-PRESS, ILRI, NVMA, DVS Oyo State, SSA on Nomadic Affairs to the Osun State Governor, the National Association of Cattle Dealers (Oyo State), the National Association of Cattle Dealers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria, the National Association of Goat Butchers (Oyo State), the Seriki of Fulani of Osun State, Miyetti Allah Chairman, Butchers Association (Osun State), Ife Pig Farmers Association, Ilé-Ifè, and IFECCIMA.
At the event , the Minister of Livestock Development received an award of excellence as Grand Patron of the Nigeria Society for Animal Welfare, while the Ooni of Ife was also honoured for his contributions to the group.