The National Association of Cattle Dealers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria (NACDPMN) held its Special National Executive Council and Partners Conference on Thursday, 3 September 2026, in Abuja, under the theme:

“Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration for Secure Livestock Movement, Animal Traceability, Ownership Verification and the Prevention of Cattle Theft in Nigeria’s Livestock Markets.”

The Conference brought together key stakeholders across Nigeria’s livestock value chain to deliberate on the security, development, modernisation and sustainable growth of the livestock industry.

Following extensive deliberations, consultations and stakeholder engagements, the Conference reached the following resolutions:

1. Strategic Importance of the Livestock Sector

The Conference recognised the strategic importance of the livestock sector to national food security, employment generation, economic growth and overall national development, and called for increased government and private-sector attention to the sector as a critical component of Nigeria’s economy.

2. Strengthening Stakeholder Cooperation

The Conference commended the initiative of NACDPMN in promoting cooperation among cattle dealers, processors, marketers, producers, government institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders towards building a more organised, secure, efficient and sustainable livestock value chain.

3. Modern Livestock Infrastructure

The Conference welcomed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development towards the development of modern livestock infrastructure, including the proposed establishment of approximately 12 modern abattoirs within the year.

It noted that such investments would contribute significantly to improving meat processing, hygiene and food safety, promoting value addition and creating new economic opportunities across the livestock sector.

4. Livestock Identification and Traceability

The Conference called for the development and adoption of effective livestock identification, ownership verification and traceability systems to facilitate the lawful movement of animals, combat cattle theft and rustling, protect legitimate livestock owners and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s livestock markets.

5. Collaboration with Security Agencies

The Conference emphasised the need for stronger collaboration with security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to prevent cattle theft, secure livestock transportation routes and markets, and protect legitimate livestock businesses.

6. Unity Among Livestock Associations

The Conference urged greater cooperation among livestock associations and industry stakeholders, including NACDPMN, MACBAN, AUFCDN, FACAN and other relevant organisations.

It called for the establishment of a more united and coordinated platform through which common challenges affecting the livestock industry can be addressed collectively and effectively.

7. Partnership with NAQS

The Conference encouraged closer collaboration with the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) to strengthen compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and facilitate the participation of Nigerian livestock and meat businesses in regional and international markets.

8. Safer Livestock Transportation

The Conference called for improved livestock transportation practices, including greater compliance with road safety regulations.

It specifically urged stakeholders to discontinue unsafe practices, including the transportation of cattle alongside human passengers, in the interest of public safety, animal welfare and efficient livestock movement.

9. Investment in Livestock Infrastructure

The Conference recognised the urgent need for increased investment in modern abattoirs, ranches, livestock markets, meat processing facilities and related infrastructure.

It noted that such investments are essential for improving productivity, reducing post-production losses, strengthening value addition and creating sustainable economic opportunities throughout the livestock value chain.

10. Protection of Livestock Businesses

The Conference called for enhanced protection of livestock producers, dealers, processors and marketers from criminal activities, particularly cattle rustling, theft and other forms of insecurity that undermine the livestock economy and pose a threat to national food security.

11. Continuous Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue

The Conference resolved to promote continuous dialogue and multi-stakeholder engagement involving government agencies, traditional institutions, security agencies, livestock associations, private-sector operators and development partners.

Such engagement, it noted, would facilitate the development of practical, coordinated and sustainable solutions to the challenges confronting Nigeria’s livestock industry.

12. Appreciation of Stakeholder Support

The Conference appreciated the support and assurances of partnership expressed by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development, security agencies, the Sultanate, NAQS, FACAN, private-sector operators and other participating stakeholders.

A Call for a Unified Approach

The Conference further acknowledged that the complex challenges confronting Nigeria’s livestock sector cannot be effectively addressed by any single institution, government agency or association.

It therefore called for a united, coordinated and institutionalised approach involving all relevant stakeholders across the livestock value chain.

The Conference reaffirmed its support for government efforts towards the modernisation of Nigeria’s livestock sector and expressed the readiness of NACDPMN to serve as a responsible partner in advancing livestock security, animal traceability, ownership verification, modern processing, market development and value addition.

Accordingly, the Conference called on all stakeholders to translate the commitments and assurances made at the Conference into concrete actions and sustained partnerships capable of transforming Nigeria’s livestock industry into a secure, modern, productive and internationally competitive sector.

The Conference expressed confidence that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would significantly contribute to preventing cattle theft and rustling, improving livestock movement and ownership verification, strengthening food security, creating employment opportunities and accelerating the overall economic development of Nigeria.

Issued in Abuja this 3rd day of September 2026.

Signed:
National Association of Cattle Dealers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria (NACDPMN)