Nigeria, UNIDO plan livestock tracking system for exports

The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated discussions with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to establish a technical collaboration aimed at enhancing livestock traceability, food safety, and the country's capacity to export meat, honey, and other livestock products. This collaboration will focus on key areas such as animal identification and traceability, laboratory capacity, certification, and compliance with international trade requirements.

During the engagement, Chinyere Akujobi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, emphasized the importance of animal identification and traceability for the growth of Nigeria's livestock sector, stating that no trading partner will accept livestock products without a system capable of tracing them throughout the value chain.

Akujobi also highlighted the need for quality and safety measures to protect both international and domestic markets. UNIDO's Regional Programme Manager, Adalberto Vieira, indicated that the organization could assist Nigeria in deploying digital technologies for livestock identification and traceability, linking animal identification to databases to strengthen animal health, build consumer confidence, and facilitate access to international markets.

The collaboration is expected to significantly bolster Nigeria's capacity to export honey and other livestock products.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.