A leading academic has criticised the performance of the newly created Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, stating it has failed to effectively address the severe animal protein shortage facing Nigeria.
Call for Unbundling and Regional Research
Professor Uma Kalu Oke, a Professor of Animal Genetics and Breeding at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), made this assertion during his inaugural lecture on December 20, 2025. He argued that the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) in Zaria, Kaduna State, should be unbundled. He specifically recommended establishing a dedicated research centre in the Southeast with a clear mandate to develop local animal species.
"Seed boogie and products of animal origin offer innovative opportunities for sustainable protein supply," Professor Oke stated. "But inadequate research centres, economic setbacks and other constraints continue to deepen the protein crisis."
Collaboration is Key to Success
While endorsing the policy behind creating the ministry, Professor Oke emphasised that its goals are unattainable without a strong alliance. He submitted that the President's target of making quality protein available requires active collaboration between farmers, researchers, Universities of Agriculture, and the Federal Government.
"The goals for the establishment of Federal Ministry of Livestock can only be achieved when there is collaboration between the farmers, the researchers, the University and the government," he stressed during the lecture, which was the 66th in MOUAU's over 32-year history.
Developing Indigenous Species as a Solution
Professor Oke identified the development of Nigeria's indigenous animal species as a primary solution to the quality protein crisis. He reiterated that unbundling NAPRI is essential to allow focused development of other animal species beyond its current scope.
His recommendations include:
- Developing a poultry or piggery research institute in the Southeast.
- Financing breeding research programmes.
- Establishing research centres in locations with a comparative advantage for specific livestock to boost productivity.
- Implementing well-designed cross-breeding programmes for faster growth rates and higher yields.
He highlighted that increased livestock production is vital to addressing Nigeria's growing protein deficit and urged the government and stakeholders to strengthen research efforts to close the consumption gap.
Nigerians Still Below FAO Protein Recommendation
Responding to concerns about high animal protein consumption, Professor Oke countered that Nigerians are still far from reaching the level recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). He championed indigenous chickens as a cost-effective and reliable source of high-quality protein, especially for low-income households.
To accelerate progress, he advised breeders to apply quantitative genetic principles and called for supportive government policies to scale up livestock improvement. His final recommendation was the pilot-scale development of improved local chickens to boost production, ensure proper market pricing, and increase supply for Nigeria's population.
Presiding over the lecture, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, commended Professor Oke for tackling a critical national issue. He noted that the university's inaugural lectures showcase the quality of its academics and highlighted the institution's peaceful and growth-focused environment under his five-year leadership.
