The National Sheep and Goat Development Association of Nigeria (NASHGODAN) has promised to offer training, mentorship and opportunities for its members to expand their businesses and improve productivity.
The national president of NASHGODAN, Abdullateef Ahmed, stated this during the association’s second national annual conference and monthly technical review meeting at the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP) Headquarters, yesterday.
The conference, themed “Small Ruminants for National Prosperity: Advancing Sheep and Goat Development for Food Security, Job Creation and Economic Diversification,” brought together stakeholders from across the country to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Ahmed described NASHGODAN as the umbrella body for all sheep and goat associations in Nigeria, working to promote sustainable livestock production and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and for appointing Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha as Minister, describing the move as a major milestone for the livestock industry.
According to him, the creation of the ministry under the Renewed Hope Agenda has opened a new chapter in livestock development and restored confidence among millions of sheep and goat farmers nationwide.
He noted that sheep and goat production remained one of the most accessible and profitable agricultural enterprises for rural households, women, youths and retirees, providing income, employment, improved nutrition and economic resilience.
Despite its enormous potential, Ahmed said the sector continues to face challenges, including disease outbreaks, poor breeding programmes, inadequate access to finance, weak market linkages, insecurity and limited value-chain development.
He stressed that NASHGODAN is ready to collaborate with governments, development partners, financial institutions, researchers and private investors to unlock the enormous potential of the sheep and goat value chain.
Ahmed called on the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project to partner with the association in all participating states, including Bauchi, as already being implemented in states such as Ekiti, Kaduna and Adamawa.
The association also advocated improved breeds and genetic development, affordable financing, modern veterinary services, increased participation of women and youths, expansion of local and international markets, value addition through meat, milk, leather and wool processing, enhanced farmer education and sustainable livestock production practices.
Ahmed further commended Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, for supporting the hosting of the conference and for his administration’s commitment to livestock development.
He encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace sheep and goat farming as a modern agribusiness capable of creating wealth, generating employment and contributing significantly to national food security and economic development.
He urged members of the association to remain united and committed to the vision of transforming Nigeria into a leading producer and exporter of quality sheep and goat products.
Also speaking, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Ilyasu Aliyu Gital, described the conference as timely, noting that the livestock sector plays a critical role in ensuring food security, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and driving economic growth.
He said Bauchi State possesses enormous livestock potential due to its vast grazing resources, rich pastoral heritage, and large sheep and goat population.
According to him, the state government remains committed to investing in agricultural development, veterinary services, livestock value chains, rural infrastructure, water resources and extension services to create an enabling environment for livestock production.
Representing Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Musa Lukshi, described the conference as a significant milestone in advancing livestock production in Nigeria.
He said sheep and goat farming remained a highly profitable enterprise capable of generating employment, improving rural livelihoods and attracting investment due to the animals’ high reproductive capacity.
He reaffirmed the Bauchi State government’s commitment to supporting livestock development as part of its agricultural transformation agenda.
In his goodwill message, the Lamido of Toro, Alhaji Umar Adamu, recalled that sheep and goat production flourished during the 1970s and 1980s, providing sustainable income for many households.
He urged stakeholders to restore the sector to its former glory and encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace agriculture rather than relying solely on government employment.
Also speaking, the National Women Leader of NASHGODAN from Gombe State, Hajiya Khadijatu Muhammad Magaji, encouraged women across the country to venture into sheep and goat farming, describing it as one of the easiest and most profitable businesses that can enhance household income and improve family welfare.
