The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha has emphasised the pivotal role of information and communication technology (ICT) in advancing livestock production and ensuring traceability in Nigeria.
Speaking during a working visit by a team of livestock production specialists from Protein Trail Limited to his office in Abuja, Maiha highlighted the need for appropriate digital tools and applications that can document the lifecycle of animals. He noted that such innovations are essential to closing existing gaps in managing animal health and traceability in line with international standards.
The minister assured the delegation of the ministry’s full support, particularly in the areas of land acquisition for ranching, feed and fodder provision and breed improvement. He commended Protein Trail Limited for its ongoing efforts to transform the livestock sector through innovation.
Earlier, the executive director of Protein Trail Limited, Olaseni Salako presented an overview of the new digital application being developed by his company. The application captures detailed data on animals – from birth to slaughter weight – including information on breed, colour, health records and vaccination history
“With this app, animals can be tracked from birth to the point of slaughter,” Salako said. “Each animal will be tagged to ensure traceability and certified by veterinary professionals for disease control.”
He stressed the importance of tagging animals and limiting slaughtering activities to standard abattoirs, arguing that these measures would curb cattle rustling, promote consumer confidence and boost Nigeria’s potential for beef export.
According to a statement by the ministry’s director of information and public relations, Ben Bem Goong, Salako also revealed plans to introduce quick response (QR) codes for animal products, allowing consumers to verify the quality and origin of dairy and meat products.
