Nigeria Moves to Revolutionize Livestock Transportation Sector
… “Smart National Transport Databank is in progress”- NITT Boss
Oru Leonard
Abuja, Nigeria – October 31, 2024 – The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Transportation, has launched a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionize the livestock transportation sector. Senator Sa’id Ahmed Alkali, Honourable Minister of Transportation, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Adeleye Adeoye Ayodeji emphasized the need for a safe, efficient, and humane transportation system at the National Conference on Transportation of Livestock in Nigeria.
The conference, organized by the National Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), brought together stakeholders to develop a policy framework for regulating livestock transportation. Nigeria’s population of over 200 million people demands a robust transportation system that supports the agricultural sector’s growth.
Challenges Facing Livestock Transportation
Inadequate infrastructure, Safety concerns for animals, Logistical inefficiencies driving up costs, Lack of regulation and guidelines, Poor sanitation and coordination.
Objectives of the National Conference
Develop policy framework for safe and humane livestock transportation, Standardize vehicular movement and handling procedures, Define responsibilities of drivers, assistants, and owners, Establish guidelines for livestock loading and offloading and Determine optimal journey breaks and durations considering geographical temperature differences
The Minister assured that the conference’s recommendations will receive full attention, and the Ministry will collaborate with relevant agencies to implement practical solutions.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership has already demonstrated strong commitment to revolutionizing the livestock sector, with a dedicated ministry to propel its development. This initiative is part of a larger plan to invest $3.2 billion in the livestock sector over the next five years.
In his welcome address the Director Genera/ CEO Dr. Bayero Salih Farah disclosed that currently the NITT is working on the establishment of the Smart National Transport Databank is in progress. “When completed and operational, the project is expected to boost transport information gathering and sharing, reduce travel time for passengers, goods and services, and identify safe routes, amongst other advantages, especially for road users.
Importantly, sections of NITT’s Act mandates it to ‘’serve as an information cell for the planning and coordination of transport policies and programmes’’, as well as ‘’serve as a Transport Intelligence Centre for all aspects of transportation.’’ These among other factors have placed an obligation on NITT to advise on guidelines and regulations of the Nigerian transportation system”, he stated.
the safe, humane, hygienic, and sustainable livestock transportation in Nigeria in the followings:
Vehicular movement of livestock (the types of vehicles to be used for livestock transport, and body specifications)
Handling of Livestock
Proper restraint procedures for the diverse livestock species when on transit
Procedures for livestock loading and offloading Responsibilities of drivers, their assistants and owners when transporting the livestock.
To deliberate on distance journey break. And duration for transport of livestock based on differences in ambient temperatures of different geographical location in the country.”
Amongst Dignitaries at the event were, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transportation, Senator Adamu Aliero, Top management team from the Presidency, Federal Ministry of Transportation and the NITT.
By addressing transportation challenges, Nigeria can unlock opportunities for farmers and ranchers, ensure food security, and contribute to national economic prosperity.
