The event, which took place on 21- 22nd March 2025 in Makurdi, Benue state, brought together key players in the livestock sector, including farmers, veterinarians, policymakers, researchers, security agencies, and agribusiness leaders.
In the Executive Governor’s opening speech, he specially welcomed the minister of livestock development, Honorable: Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and appreciated the DG of Livestock Development and Trans-boundary Animal Disease, Dr Aondoakaa Asambe and the Vet Konect Team, for bringing the Summit to life.
With a strong focus on innovation, economic growth, and security in livestock farming, the summit provided a platform for knowledge sharing, stakeholder engagement, and actionable solutions to drive the sector forward.
The event recorded over 700 participants onsite and 2000 persons online. They were distinguished guests like The Honourable Minister for Livestock Development, Director General, Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases (TAD), President, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, President, Veterinary Council of Nigeria, and Secretary, National Animal Science Association. These key figures led the first major panel session titled: “Reimagining the Future of Livestock Production for Economic Growth and Self-Sufficiency: Building Forward”
The session sparked thought-provoking discussions on policy reform, technology adoption, and the financial investments needed to strengthen Nigeria’s livestock sector.
One of the highlights of the summit was the two-hour breakout sessions, which covered Poultry, Piggery, Ruminants, and Aquaculture. Farmers were deeply engaged, and despite the time limit, many were reluctant to leave, expressing how valuable the discussions had been. For each of these sessions, experts in the above-mentioned areas taught the farmers, after which a series of questions and contributions were made. The sessions provided current insights into disease management, feed formulation, modern production techniques, and access to veterinary services.
A town hall session provided a direct platform for livestock farmers to engage with the Honourable Minister for Livestock Development, raise concerns, share experiences, and discuss government support for the industry. Here, farmers poured out their hearts and expectations to the government, and their concerns were addressed.
The second day featured powerful presentations from major livestock companies which addressed challenges and solutions in livestock feed production, sustainability, and agribusiness investment.
Another critical session was the strategic roundtable on conflict resolution and security in livestock management, featuring the Commandant, Benue Civil Protection Guard, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 4, Leader, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Representative, and All Farmers Association of Nigeria.
Discussions centered on resolving farmer-herder conflicts, improving security for livestock production, and fostering peaceful coexistence among stakeholders
To wrap up the summit, a comprehensive communiqué summarizing the key resolutions was officially presented to the Honourable Minister for Livestock Development, marking a commitment to implement the actionable solutions discussed throughout the summit.
Speaking on the impact of the summit, Dr Terese Shadrach Akpem, the founder of Vet Konect Ltd, stated:
“The Benue Livestock Summit 2025 has set a new benchmark for livestock development in Nigeria. The level of participation, engagement, and collaboration seen here is a testament to the sector’s potential for transformation. With the recommendations from this summit, we are confident that Nigeria’s livestock industry is on the right path toward sustainability, economic growth, and food security.
The summit ended with renewed energy, stronger partnerships, and a clear roadmap for strengthening Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The summit was so value-packed that every attendee recommended that it become a yearly event.
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