Nigeria’s livestock ministry introduces special vehicles for safer animal transport

NIGERIA – The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is introducing specially designed vehicles to enhance animal transport across Nigeria under cleaner and more regulated conditions.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the vehicles are part of a broader plan to modernize the livestock sector and ensure that only registered transporters operate within the system.

He explained that livestock will soon be transported exclusively through vehicles approved and registered under a new digital tracking platform developed by the ministry.

The initiative comes as the government works with OneServe Technologies Limited, a private technology firm, to create a centralized digital system for the livestock industry.

Officials from OneServe Technologies recently met with ministry representatives in Abuja to review the progress of the platform and discuss the next steps for implementation.

During the meeting, Maiha stated that the new digital platform would facilitate easier coordination of activities across various segments of the livestock value chain.

He noted that the government is also gathering data on abattoirs nationwide to determine how many are operational, their capacities, and the conditions under which they function.

According to him, accurate data on facilities and livestock movements will form the basis for a long-term national livestock development plan that the ministry is currently preparing.

Maiha also urged more participation from private investors, especially in the meat processing and abattoir segments, to strengthen the value chain and improve overall efficiency.

Building a digital livestock network

OneServe Technologies team lead, Ibrahim Maigari Ahmed, said the new system will act as a central hub for livestock information across the country.

He explained that the platform will contain data on livestock markets, available species, market schedules, and distances to nearby towns or major transport routes.

The database will also provide access to financial services and verified professionals, such as veterinarians and livestock transporters, to make trading and logistics more transparent.

Ahmed added that the system will help farmers, traders, and buyers find reliable contacts within their local markets without relying on informal networks.

The ministry expects the combination of digital registration and the introduction of custom-built livestock transport vehicles to reduce disease risks, improve hygiene standards, and streamline livestock movement nationwide.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.