Livestock Development Minister Visits FUNAAB, Says FG to Commercialise FUNAAB-Alpha, Boost Livestock Genetics

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has said the Federal Government will collaborate with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, to commercialise and scale up FUNAAB-Alpha, the University’s indigenous poultry innovation developed by Emerita Olufunmilayo Adebambo, as part of efforts to strengthen livestock genetics, reduce dependence on imported breeding stock and advance the food-security agenda.

Hon. Maiha stated this on 30th September 2026 during a working visit to FUNAAB, where he commended the University’s contributions to livestock research, agricultural innovation, human capacity development and food production. He said commercialising FUNAAB-Alpha would strengthen Nigeria’s livestock genetics and ensure research innovations translate into tangible benefits for farmers, industry and the wider economy.

Describing FUNAAB-Alpha as having significant commercial potential, the Minister stressed the need to move beyond research development to production, market penetration and widespread adoption. He assured the University of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate on financing, institutional arrangements, production capacity, market development and distribution required to take the innovation to scale.

According to him, strengthening livestock genetics is central to the Federal Government’s Livestock Transformation Agenda, particularly efforts to reduce dependence on imported breeding materials and build sustainable domestic production systems.

The Minister identified feed and fodder development, genetic improvement, and animal health and disease management as three key priorities of the agenda. He emphasised that animals can only realise their genetic potential when adequately nourished, calling for intensified research into improved fodder varieties, particularly grasses and legumes adapted to Nigeria’s conditions.

On poultry production, Alhaji Maiha described the sector as one of Nigeria’s most commercially developed livestock value chains, while identifying feed costs, availability of day-old chicks and disease management as major challenges. He said the Federal Government was taking steps to improve access to day-old chicks and strengthen domestic genetic development as a sustainable alternative to dependence on imported breeding stock.

He added that a transformed livestock sector would contribute significantly to food security, employment generation, wealth creation and national development, while creating opportunities for women, young people and other Nigerians across the value chain. He expressed optimism that Nigerian poultry genetics and day-old chicks could serve markets beyond the country, particularly across West Africa.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, welcomed the Minister and his delegation, describing the visit as significant to the University’s longstanding commitment to teaching, research, extension services and practical solutions to agricultural challenges.

Prof. Kehinde highlighted FUNAAB’s contributions to livestock production, research and training since its establishment, noting that the University has consistently developed knowledge, technologies and innovations aimed at improving agricultural productivity and addressing national development challenges. He assured the Minister of FUNAAB’s readiness to support the Federal Government’s livestock transformation and food-security agenda through research, innovation, training and strategic partnerships.

The Vice-Chancellor also commended the Minister’s practical agricultural background and interest in livestock development, expressing optimism that the visit would deepen collaboration between FUNAAB and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

During the visit, Hon. Maiha inspected the FUNAAB-Alpha Poultry Breeding Facility, where he commended the University’s work in indigenous poultry genetics. He also inspected FUNAAB’s 3.4MW Hybrid Solar Power Plant, designed to strengthen sustainable energy supply for teaching, research and operations.

Present at the meeting were the Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo; Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Angel Adelaja-Kuye; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Olawale Dairo; Global Alumni President, Otunba Bolaji Gbadamosi; Dean, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, COLANIM, Prof. Abimbola Oso; and Director, Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships, DRIP, Prof. Oluwagbemiga Adeleye, alongside senior officials of FUNAAB and the Ministry.