The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has emphasised that efficient and humane livestock transportation is critical to transforming Nigeria’s red meat and dairy value chains, ensuring food safety, and strengthening national economic resilience.
Speaking in Abuja at the 7th National Transport Conference of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Maiha said the journey of red meat begins with the link between the ranch and the abattoir, where transportation efficiency directly influences quality and profitability.
“Efficient transportation is not just about moving animals; it is about maintaining chain integrity, reducing stress on the animals, minimising holding times at abattoirs, and ensuring steady supply for processing. This is the backbone of a modern, resilient livestock sector,” he stated.
The Minister highlighted the importance of temperature-controlled logistics systems, real-time tracking, and route optimisation in maintaining the cold chain and ensuring product quality from abattoirs to the final market. He explained that broken cold chains lead to microbial growth, spoilage, and major economic losses that affect the livestock industry and food supply chain.
Addressing the dairy sector, Maiha said that efficiency is measured in hours, not days, because of the perishable nature of milk. He noted that the use of insulated tankers and well-planned collection routes is essential to preserve milk quality, maintain hygiene, and extend shelf life.
“Route optimisation software and modern logistics enable milk to move faster from farms to processing plants, ensuring compliance with hygiene and temperature standards,” he added.
Maiha also pointed out that humane livestock handling is a key ethical and economic factor, explaining that animal stress affects both welfare and meat quality. According to him, features such as non-slip flooring, proper ventilation, adjustable partitions, and easy-loading ramps are crucial to safe and efficient livestock transport systems.
On his part, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to advancing regulatory frameworks that will support a coordinated, transparent, and accountable national transport system.
The Special Guest of Honour, Governor Uba Sani, shared Kaduna State’s progress in revamping its transport system within two and a half years in office. He said the urban renewal project covers 85 urban and rural roads spanning 785 kilometres, nearly half of which have been completed to connect farmers, traders, and commuters while driving commerce, growth, and investment.
During the event, Governor Uba Sani was honoured with the titles of Honorary Fellow and Grand Patron of CIOTA, while Minister Mukhtar received an Honorary Membership award. The conference, themed “Repositioning Nigeria’s Transport Infrastructure and Governance Models for Global Competitiveness,” began on November 4 and will continue until November 7.
