The Federal Government has announced a renewed push to transform its livestock sector through climate-smart feeding systems, positioning improved feed and fodder as a key solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while boosting animal productivity.
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development disclosed this on Monday, January 19, 2026, during a high-level meeting with the ILRI–GATES Livestock Feed and Nutrition Project Team.
This was contained in a statement on Tuesday, 20th January, 2026, by Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, Head of Press and Public Relations.
Discussions at the meeting focused on the relationship between ruminant feeding systems, methane emissions, and climate change mitigation.
According to the Minister, methane emissions from livestock are closely linked to fermentation processes associated with high-fibre feeds. He stressed the urgent need to shift toward more protein-rich, efficient, and climate-resilient feed options to improve animal performance and environmental outcomes.
“Feed and fodder is our number one priority,
“If animals are fed properly and kept healthy, even our indigenous breeds can perform optimally,
“Nomadism today is not about culture; it is a survival mechanism driven by scarcity. If we provide abundance where people are, movement will reduce” the Minister said.
He revealed plans to roll out large-scale fodder production nationwide, supported by solar-powered irrigation systems, micro earth dams, and the provision of basic amenities within designated grazing reserves.
As part of the initiative, six pilot states—Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory—have been selected for the establishment of national communal ranches, with land allocation expected before the next rainy season.
“This is no longer about theory. It is time for boots on the ground,” the Minister stated, adding that Nigeria possesses the land, political will, and strategic partnerships required to transform the livestock sector while addressing climate change, security concerns, and disruptions to food systems.
Speaking on behalf of the ILRI–GATES Livestock Feed and Nutrition Project, Programme Leader Dr. Anu Frank-Lawale praised the Minister’s clear policy direction and reaffirmed the project’s commitment to supporting the government’s agenda.
“What you have outlined aligns directly with the core components of this project,” Dr. Frank-Lawale said.
He explained that the project focuses on four main areas: the productive use of crop residues, fermented protein feeds as alternatives to conventional protein sources, climate-resilient forage development, and mycotoxin assessment in animal feeds across Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
“Our goal is to increase milk production, create jobs, improve profitability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, this will enhance food security, livelihoods, and climate efficiency,” he added.
Also speaking, ILRI Country Representative Dr. Tunde Amole emphasized that the project prioritizes the deployment of proven, field-tested solutions rather than purely theoretical research.
He noted that the initiative will introduce forage cultivars suited to Sahelian conditions and rapidly scale them once validated.
“Methane emissions are not simply an animal issue; they are a feed issue,” Dr. Amole said. “Our focus is on practical solutions—climate-resilient forages, alternative protein sources, safe feeds, and measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions”.
The collaboration signals a growing alignment between government policy and research-driven interventions, as Nigeria seeks to modernize its livestock industry while meeting climate and food security goals.