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Written by Daniel Adazi
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has launched a strategy to strengthen climate action in the livestock sector, announcing plans to partner with the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank (AFDB) to limit climate risks, protect livelihoods and promote sustainable growth across value chains.
This commitment was reaffirmed on Tuesday in Abuja, where Permanent Secretary Dr. Chinyere Akujobi welcomed a joint delegation from the World Bank Mission, AFDB, and members of the Technical Working Group on Climate Change.
He noted that this initiative is a coordinated drive to combat the growing impact of climate change on livestock production, while positioning the sector for resilient and inclusive development.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the ministry explained that the proposed cooperation is in line with its strategic mission to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on livestock systems, protect rural livelihoods and promote environmentally responsible practices, especially in the face of global warming.
The Director-General of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), Mr Ohaeli Stephen Ezenwa, attended the meeting, and the Permanent Secretary emphasized that livestock remains a key pillar of the Nigerian economy, supporting food security, nutrition, employment and millions of rural households across the country.
“Despite its importance, this sector is highly vulnerable to climate variability and change, with far-reaching impacts on animal health, feed and water availability, productivity, greenhouse gas emissions and overall sustainability,” she said.
He noted that these challenges require urgent evidence-based policies, reliable national data systems, and concerted action to promote climate-smart livestock development.
The new focus comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s escalating climate crisis. In recent years, extreme flooding, prolonged drought, and rising temperatures have devastated farms, displaced communities, and strained food systems. The 2022 floods alone affected more than two million Nigerians, destroyed farmland and infrastructure, and caused losses estimated in the billions of dollars, while climate-related shocks continue to threaten lives, livelihoods, and national economic stability.
Dr. Alike Peter, Director (Technical) in the Office of the Permanent Secretary and Team Leader of the Technical Working Group on Climate Change, said the working group was established to support the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which aims to double the sector’s contribution to GDP from approximately $32 billion to $74 billion within 10 years.
He explained that whether growth comes from improving the efficiency of existing livestock or expanding livestock numbers, both pathways impact the management of greenhouse gas emissions, feed, water and land use, making climate considerations central to development planning.
“The Working Group prioritizes evidence-based national data on short-lived climate pollutants, particularly methane and nitrous oxide, to guide policy and decision-making. To achieve this, the Department is working with partners such as the World Bank to measure methane emissions using FAO-approved models and direct measurement approaches, while working closely with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to ensure methodological rigor and national ownership of the data,” Arike said.
He added that ongoing cooperation is focused on establishing national methane standards, developing mitigation and adaptation measures, and building stakeholder capacity, noting that the measures will strengthen Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), improve access to carbon markets, and advance climate-smart livestock systems.
At the meeting, Dr. Harrison Carissa, World Bank Group Representative and Senior Fisheries Specialist, outlined three key opportunity areas. Blue economy, such as seaweed farming and value chains that support employment for women and youth. and outcomes-based finance and carbon markets related to methane reduction and nature-based solutions.
He added that seaweed, which grows naturally in aquatic environments, can also serve as a nutritious livestock feed supplement rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
Dr. Yusuf Kabore, Chief Livestock Officer of AFDB, praised the Department’s proactive approach to combating climate change and assured the Bank’s full support for practical and scalable interventions in the livestock sector.
