Federal Government Proposes National Livestock Tracking System to Combat Regional Insecurity and Data Inaccuracies

The Federal Government plans a digital livestock tracking system to end data chaos and improve security across Nigeria's 50-million-head cattle sector.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 8:02 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from LEADERSHIP

A Technological Solution to Pastoral Insecurity

The Nigerian government is moving toward a digital transformation of the agricultural sector with the introduction of a nationwide livestock identification and tracking system. Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, revealed the plan in Abuja following a meeting with technology specialists focused on radio-frequency identification (RFID). The initiative is designed to address the pervasive insecurity and "data chaos" that have historically hindered the sector's growth and contributed to regional instability.

Bridging the Statistical Gap in Animal Husbandry

Nigeria currently manages a livestock population estimated at over 50 million cattle, alongside millions of smaller ruminants, yet lacks a centralized system for accurate accounting. According to Maiha, this statistical deficit has consistently undermined effective national planning and value chain development. By implementing digital tracking, the government intends to replace traditional, unmonitored grazing habits with a data-driven approach that provides a clear census of the nation’s livestock assets.

Modernizing Infrastructure and Policy Implementation

The Minister identified weak infrastructure and a heavy reliance on open grazing as primary barriers to productivity and peace. The proposed tracking mechanisms are expected to establish a definitive proof of ownership, which is crucial for reducing cattle rustling and communal conflicts over land use. Maiha emphasized that overcoming these challenges requires a shift away from traditional practices toward modern infrastructure that can support a more commercialized and secure industry.