For Nigeria to successfully export its red meat to Brazil and Saudi Arabia starting September 2025 as planned, active involvement of veterinary professionals is essential.
This, livestock experts say will ensure that all products produced both for local consumption and exports are safe to avoid preventable export ban.
With over 20 million herds of cattle and 200 million people, an emerging middle class, Nigeria is witnessing a boom in demand for meat that offers potential but also risks for the semi-nomadic herders who provide most of its beef. Today, the country is moving towards red meat export as the industry holds enormous potential benefits for economic growth, to this end, government signed a deal to produce high quality bovine and ovine meat products for Brazil and Saudi Arabia red meat market. A move veterinary professionals say calls for a precautionary measure to ensure safety.
Speaking with journalists, the experts described the decision as a significant step toward boosting the nation’s livestock industry and strengthening its economy but advised that government must be intentional in the fight against animal trans-boundary diseases.
The plan also includes the establishment of abattoir and ranching as the method of animal farming. In addition it is expected that it would resolve the longstanding dispute between farmers and herders.
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
