The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has begun a three day national capacity building programme in Abuja to upgrade the technical skills of livestock extension officers from all 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory. The programme, which opened on Monday, December 1, 2025, aims to improve advisory services and boost productivity across Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Officials said the workshop is designed to standardise extension messaging nationwide and deepen the application of good animal husbandry practices at the farm level. Speaking at the opening, Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, represented by Joseph Ako, Director in the Livestock Extension and Business Development Department, told participants that the Ministry is focused on building a modern and commercially viable livestock industry that supports food security and economic diversification.
She noted that livestock extension officers remain central to the transformation agenda because they connect research innovations to farmers and influence the implementation of national livestock policies across communities. Ako encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training, stressing that their improved competence will directly impact farmers nationwide.
The programme supports the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy which places extension delivery at the heart of efforts to modernise production systems, strengthen animal welfare practices and increase national output. Participants will receive training in good animal husbandry practices, animal welfare, feed management, disease control, biosecurity, waste management, the one health approach, breeding and reproduction, record keeping, humane handling and extension communication methods.
Officials say the initiative is expected to raise professional standards and enhance productivity in the sector as Nigeria pushes for economic diversification through livestock development.
