The Federal government has said that the newly launched National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) would curb livestock rustling, facilitate interventions, as well as provision of credit and insurance.
The Nation learnt that the NAITS is a comprehensive animal information management system that will utilise forgery-proof ear tags and cattle passports combined with digital technology to identify and track livestock across Nigeria.
It noted that it will also facilitate livestock movement control, animal recording for genetic improvement and research, ease of traceability, surveillance, animal disease control and enable trade among others.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, stated this yesterday at the launch of the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) in Abuja.
Abubakar noted that NAITS as part of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) will be implemented in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
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He added that stakeholder engagement and sensitisation on NAITS have already commenced in Bauchi, Edo, Enugu, Lagos, Katsina, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo states and the FCT.
While explaining that the system complies with the global standards stipulated by the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR), he said the successful implementation will support livestock owners to identify their animals.
Abubakar further noted that the ministry has been collaborating and will continue to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that the NAITS for Nigeria is internationally recognised, efficient and effective to address the livestock data needs of the country.
He said: “The global trade requirements and consumer concerns for source of livestock and livestock products traded and consumed makes animal identification and traceability very necessary to enable Nigeria compete favourably in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and launch Nigeria livestock and livestock products into the international market.
“Technology advancements have rapidly enhanced productivity across all sectors of our economy. The progress made so far to actualise Animal Identification and Traceability in Nigeria as well as other innovations in Agriculture have been largely driven by digital transformation which has produced exponential results.
“The NAITS is a comprehensive animal information management system that will utilise forgery-proof ear tags and cattle passports combined with digital technology to identify and track livestock across Nigeria.
This system complies with the global standards stipulated by the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR)”, Abubakar stated.