The article discusses efforts by Nigeria's Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Muktar Maiha, to improve the livestock sector in Nigeria. He plans to work with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria to achieve lower interest rates on loans and longer repayment periods for farmers. Maiha believes that high interest rates, like 25%, make it hard for farmers to succeed. During a visit to a modern livestock processing factory in Lagos, he praised the facility for its cleanliness and efficiency in processing meat and other livestock products. He emphasized the need for certified abattoirs across the country and better infrastructure, like roads, to help transport livestock. The chairman of the ABIS Group, which runs the factory, agreed that government support with low-interest loans is essential for growth in the sector. He also encouraged livestock farmers to adopt modern practices instead of traditional methods. Overall, the goal is to transform the livestock industry into a more modern and profitable sector that creates jobs and supports food security in Nigeria.
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