The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has reiterated its commitment to working with the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to confront climate change challenges in Nigeria’s livestock sector while promoting sustainable growth, resilience and inclusive development.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, made this known while receiving a joint delegation from the World Bank, AfDB and members of the Technical Working Group on Climate Change in Abuja on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

In a statement issued by the Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Information) of the Ministry, Ogochukwu Igboamalu, Akujobi said the proposed partnership aligns with the Ministry’s mandate to reduce the impact of climate change on livestock production, protect livelihoods and encourage environmentally sustainable practices across the livestock value chain, with a strong focus on the effects of global warming.

Represented at the meeting by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), Mr. Ohaeri Stephen Ezenwa, the Permanent Secretary described the livestock sector as a vital component of Nigeria’s economy, contributing to food security, nutrition, employment and rural development.

She, however, noted that the sector is highly exposed to climate variability, affecting animal health, feed and water availability, productivity, greenhouse gas emissions and long-term sustainability. According to her, these challenges highlight the need for coordinated national action, reliable data systems and evidence-driven policies to support climate-smart livestock development.

In his presentation, the Director (Technical) in the Office of the Permanent Secretary and Team Lead of the Technical Working Group on Climate Change, Dr. Alike Peter, said the Working Group was established to support the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which aims to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP from about $32 billion to $74 billion within ten years.

He explained that whether growth comes from improving productivity or expanding livestock numbers, both approaches have implications for greenhouse gas emissions, feed, water and land use, making climate considerations essential in livestock development planning.

Dr. Alike added that the Working Group is prioritising the generation of credible national data on short-lived climate pollutants, particularly methane and nitrous oxide, to inform policy decisions. He noted that the Ministry is working with partners, including the World Bank, to measure methane emissions using FAO-approved models and direct measurement techniques, while collaborating with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to ensure data credibility and national ownership.

He said ongoing efforts are aimed at establishing a national methane baseline, developing science-based mitigation and adaptation strategies, strengthening institutional capacity and positioning Nigeria to enhance its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), access carbon markets and promote climate-smart livestock systems.

Speaking at the meeting, the World Bank Group representative and Senior Fisheries Specialist, Dr. Harrison Charo Karisa, identified key opportunities in climate-smart aquaculture for methane reduction and productivity, the blue economy—such as seaweed farming and value chains that create jobs for women and youth—and results-based financing and carbon markets tied to methane reduction and nature-based solutions.

He added that seaweed, which grows naturally in aquatic environments, can also be used as a nutrient-rich livestock feed supplement.

Also speaking, the Chief Livestock Officer at the AfDB, Dr. Youssouf Kabore, praised the Ministry’s proactive stance on climate change and assured the Bank’s support for practical and scalable climate interventions in the livestock sector.

The meeting was attended by Directors of the Ministry and representatives of GIZ, Netzence Sustainability Limited and 3logy Limited.