Nigeria and UNIDO discussed a livestock tracking system for export

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development of Nigeria has announced the initiation of discussions with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The parties plan technical cooperation that will address livestock identification and tracking, laboratory capacity, certification, and compliance with international trade standards. This is expected to strengthen the country's capabilities in exporting honey, meat, and other livestock products.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Chinyere Akujobi noted during the meeting that identification and tracking are critically important for sector growth and export expansion, as foreign partners do not accept meat without traceability systems across the entire value chain. According to her, quality and safety measures must protect not only international markets but also local consumers. The agency is working on a policy framework for livestock identification and counts on UNIDO's technical contribution to infrastructure, software, capacity building, as well as expertise in ear tags and microchips.

Among other priority areas, the ministry highlighted the establishment of disease-free zones, training for federal and state veterinary inspectors, strengthening biosecurity, and laboratory modernization. UNIDO Regional Programme Manager Adalberto Vieira stated that the organization can assist with the implementation of digital identification technologies and databases that will improve livestock health, increase consumer confidence, and facilitate access to international markets. In addition, UNIDO is ready to provide support in the areas of testing, food safety, inspector training, and national and regional capability gap assessments.