KOGI STATE MINISTRY OF LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT LAUNCHES NATIONAL ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION AND TRACEABILITY SYSTEM (NAITS), UNVEILS PLANS FOR CATTLE ROUTE MEGA GATE AND 10-HECTARE RANCH
The Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development has taken another bold step toward transforming the livestock sector by organizing a sensitization workshop and officially launching the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) — a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing livestock management, monitoring, and productivity.
Speaking during the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, reaffirmed that the launch demonstrates Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the livestock value chain — a critical pillar of food security, job creation, and rural economic growth in Kogi State.
Dr. Bolarin described the establishment of the Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development as “a step in the right direction,” emphasizing the government’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure effective livestock registration, identification, and management across all parts of the state.
According to him, “The NAITS initiative is designed to guarantee effective identification, registration, and traceability of all livestock nationwide. This technology-driven approach will improve productivity, support data-based planning, and address recurring challenges such as cattle rustling, livestock theft, and transboundary animal diseases that have long hindered sectoral growth.”
He further explained that livestock farming remains vital to rural livelihoods and food security, noting that the introduction of NAITS will help authorities track animal movements, monitor animal health, and promote trade transparency — thereby building confidence among farmers, herders, and consumers.
Dr. Bolarin commended the visionary leadership of Governor Ododo for his continued support toward livestock transformation and appreciated the partnership of the Kogi L-PRES Coordinating Office, development partners, and field officers in implementing the initiative.
He added that the sensitization workshop was organized to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of modern livestock production and management practices.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Abdulkareem Durosinolorun, Director of Quality Assurance and Certification and NAITS Focal Person, explained that the initiative is part of the Federal Government’s National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), implemented in collaboration with Megacorp Nigeria Limited. He commended the Kogi State Government for being among the first to adopt the system, noting that it would enhance livestock productivity and traceability.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Timothy Ojomah, reiterated that Governor Ododo’s administration remains firmly committed to prioritizing every aspect of agricultural development in the state.
Also speaking, the Kogi State Project Coordinator for the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, Mr. Otaru Abdulkabir, described the NAITS launch as “a major milestone in the modernization and security of livestock production across Nigeria.”
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Director of Animal Husbandry Services, Mr. Isah Anate Jimoh, assured that his department is fully committed to the smooth implementation and sustainability of the programme across all 21 local government areas.
“We will continue to work closely with livestock associations, community leaders, and security agencies to ensure that every livestock owner participates in the registration and tagging process,” he said.
Partners present at the event included Mr. Uche Ononye, Chief Operating Officer of Megacorp Nigeria Limited; Mr. Chidike Ude of Megacorp; and Alhaji Umar Yusuf Damina, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
Shortly after the NAITS launch, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin announced that the Kogi State Government has concluded plans to construct a Cattle Route Mega Gate with an attached 10-hectare withholding ranch to enhance livestock management, security, and documentation across the state.
He made this known while hosting the Chairman of the Livestock Dealers Association, Alhaji Mohammed Hassan Danbauchi, in his office.
According to the Commissioner, the proposed facility will serve as a central point for livestock tagging, health management, temporary ranching, and verification.
“We are building a gate and, immediately behind it, a 10-hectare ranch that will accommodate both pasture and crops,” he explained. “There will be adequate water supply and necessary facilities. Any untagged livestock brought in will be registered and tagged on-site for a nominal fee, which will also help in tracking animals in case of theft.”
Dr. Bolarin further revealed that the Ministry will provide free vaccination services and allow animals to be slaughtered at designated abattoirs free of charge, while livestock owners will be able to access interest-free financial support through the NAIC.
In his remarks, Alhaji Mohammed Hassan Danbauchi commended the Commissioner and his team for the successful implementation of NAITS in Kogi State, describing it as a significant step toward reducing cattle rustling and improving livestock trade security.
He recalled recent incidents of livestock theft that led to the loss of cattle and lives, stressing that the NAITS and proposed Cattle Route Gate would help prevent such occurrences.
He also revealed that the association has introduced a receipt and waybill system, now recognized as a by-law governing livestock movement and trade between major markets such as Okene, Kabba, Lokoja, and other cattle markets across the state.
Alhaji Danbauchi appealed to the government to provide additional security support to ensure the smooth operation and success of these initiatives.
In response, Dr. Bolarin welcomed the association’s collaboration and urged them to formalize their revenue processes through the Ministry for accountability and transparency.
“What you have proposed aligns perfectly with our vision,” he said. “Bring your official receipts for endorsement by the Ministry, and we will jointly determine the monthly remittance structure. Each cattle market should also nominate a representative for proper coordination.”
He commended the association for their proactive engagement and emphasized the need for continued dialogue between the Ministry and market stakeholders.
“I appreciate your constructive approach,” Dr. Bolarin said. “We can always schedule broader stakeholder meetings to discuss emerging issues and strengthen collaboration.”
In summary, with the successful launch of the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) and the proposed Cattle Route Mega Gate with a 10-hectare ranch, Kogi State under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is taking decisive and innovative steps toward achieving a modern, secure, and sustainable livestock sector that empowers farmers, enhances food security, and drives rural development.
