Prof. Chijioke Nwosu, an Emeritus Professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has expressed concern over the Federal Government’s continued allowance of open grazing in Nigeria in the 21st century.

Nwosu made these remarks in Nsukka on Monday during his lead paper presentation at the Maiden Conference and Alumni Home-Coming 2024 of the Department of Animal Science, UNN. 

The event, themed “Innovative Approach to Sustainable Livestock Production and Protein Supply in the 21st Century: A Panacea to Food Security in Nigeria,” emphasised the need for modern livestock production practices.

“It is an abomination for the country to allow cattle, goats, pigs, poultry, etc. to roam roads and streets in this 21st century,” Nwosu stated. 

He urged Nigeria to adopt innovative approaches to enhance livestock production and discourage the roaming of livestock.

Nwosu pointed out that livestock producers must implement advanced animal husbandry practices, improve feeding nutrition, and manage livestock more effectively. 

He criticized poor leadership and inadequate legislation for the insufficient contributions of animal and livestock scientists, resulting in inadequate livestock production.

“Our livestock roam about and eat whatever they can find with little supplementation, mate randomly without guided mating, and remain virtually unselected for longer generations,” he added. 

Nwosu called on the National Assembly to enact laws supporting innovative livestock production practices and to ban open grazing nationwide. 

“Our animals must be well taken care of, fed properly, and housed to enhance the quality of animal protein for human consumption,” he stressed.

In his keynote speech, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, former Executive Secretary of TETFund and an alumnus of the department, highlighted the challenges and potential of the Nigerian livestock sector. 

He described it as an endangered sub-sector in need of elevation through appropriate policies, modern production systems, innovation, relevant technologies, value chain development, and marketing.

Mr. Raymond Isiadinso, President of the Animal Science Association of Nigeria and chair of the event, praised the department for organising the conference. 

He emphasised the importance of alumni support for the department’s programs and activities and announced a donation of N1 million towards the proposed Animal Science Department Alumni Building.

Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNN, declared the conference open, stating that the event’s goal was to unite alumni to contribute more to the department that shaped their careers. 

He also noted that the conference should evaluate progress in animal agriculture in Nigeria and serve as a platform for researchers, scientists, industry players, and educational institutions to showcase their studies related to the conference theme.

However, Prof. Ndubuisi Machebe, Head of the Department of Animal Science at UNN, identified challenges such as inadequate funding, scarce animal and feed resources, poor infrastructure, disease outbreaks, insufficient veterinary services, and climate change as hindrances to livestock production. 

He further praised the global alumni for their contributions towards developing innovative solutions to these challenges.

Among the notable attendees was His Royal Highness, Prof. Ikenna Omeje, who served as the Royal Father of the day, underscoring the importance of the event for the department’s alumni.