The Federal Authorities has unveiled the Nationwide Technique and Motion Plan (NSAP) on Animal Genetic Sources (AnGR) administration to make sure efficient conservation, utilization, and growth of Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Talking on the occasion in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Improvement, Idi Maiha, described the NSAP as a serious milestone within the nation’s historical past.
He stated the technique was developed below the Livestock Productiveness and Resilience Help Venture (L-PRES) and aligned with worldwide directives.
Maiha famous that the doc reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to the Interlaken Declaration of 2007, adopted by 106 nations, together with Nigeria, and developed on the first Worldwide Technical Convention on Animal Genetic Sources for Meals and Agriculture held in Switzerland.
“The declaration acknowledges the position of animal genetic variety in guaranteeing meals safety, bettering human vitamin, and supporting rural growth.
“It affirms the shared and particular person duties of governments to preserve, sustainably make the most of, and additional develop AnGR.
“It additionally calls consideration to vital capability gaps at nationwide and worldwide ranges and urges coordinated motion, together with elevated funding and institutional assist,” he stated.
World plan of motion as a nationwide framework
Maiha highlighted the significance of the World Plan of Motion (GPA) for Animal Genetic Sources (AnGR), describing it as a guiding framework for nationwide efforts.
He defined that the GPA outlines 23 strategic priorities grouped below key areas resembling characterization, stock, and monitoring of developments and related dangers, sustainable use and growth, conservation, coverage and institutional frameworks, and capability constructing.
“These precedence areas present the framework for efficient growth, utilization, and each in-vivo or reside inhabitants and in-vitro or gene banks conservation of animal genetic assets,” he stated.
Maiha added that implementing the technique would contribute to reversing the continued lack of livestock biodiversity and conserving at-risk breeds important to Nigeria’s meals techniques.
L-PRES coordinator requires motion and accountability
Additionally talking on the occasion, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, Nationwide Venture Coordinator of L-PRES, emphasised the pressing want for efficient administration of Nigeria’s animal genetic assets to enhance productiveness and resilience within the livestock business.
He said, “The plan goals to advertise the clever administration of animal genetic assets and serves as a framework for worldwide cooperation on AnGR. It’s a essential software for domesticating the World Plan of Motion for the administration of those assets.”
Abubakar defined that the event of the technique was prompted by Nigeria’s participation within the World Nationwide Coordinators’ Workshop and the thirteenth Common Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on AnGR, held on the FAO Headquarters in Rome from November 18 to 22, 2024.
He recalled, “A delegation from the defunct Division of Animal Husbandry Companies and L-PRES attended the occasions. To our dismay, Nigeria was seated as an observer, not like different African nations that participated as full delegates. This was because of our failure to satisfy the obligations of the Interlaken Declaration and the World Plan of Motion on AnGR, which we had signed and adopted.”
“This realization turned a driving pressure for us, resulting in the event of the Nationwide Technique and Motion Plan on AnGR. At present, we’re right here to formally launch the NSAP and inaugurate the Nationwide Advisory Committee,” he added.
Abubakar expressed optimism that the brand new technique wouldn’t solely restore Nigeria’s standing within the international livestock group but additionally information nationwide efforts in direction of sustainable livestock growth.
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