NIGERIAN LIVESTOCK AND MEAT AUTHORITY ACT
Act · Agriculture
An Act establishes the Nigerian Livestock and Meat Authority to regulate the livestock industry and set standards for meat processing in Nigeria. It targets livestock farmers, meat processors, and traders. This aims to improve food safety and quality in the meat sector.
NIGERIAN LIVESTOCK AND MEAT AUTHORITY ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act establishing the Nigerian Livestock and Meat Authority to regulate the livestock industry, set standards for meat processing, and improve the quality and safety of meat and meat products in Nigeria.
Who Does It Target?
Livestock farmers and ranchers Slaughterhouses and meat processors Meat traders and butchers The Federal Ministry of Agriculture
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Develop a well-regulated, modern livestock and meat industry in Nigeria that meets food safety standards and serves the nutritional needs of the population.
Key Features
Livestock Regulation: Regulates livestock production, transportation, and trading across Nigeria. Meat Standards: Sets hygiene and quality standards for slaughter, processing, and retailing of meat. Disease Control: Works with veterinary authorities to prevent and control livestock diseases. Abattoir Standards: Prescribes standards for abattoir construction and operations.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide livestock and meat sector Beneficiaries: Consumers; livestock farmers; food safety Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
Slaughterhouses: register and comply with Authority standards Meat traders: ensure supply chain traceable to licensed slaughterhouses Report sick or diseased livestock to veterinary authorities Application method: Engage Federal Ministry of Agriculture at https://www.fmard.gov.ng
Important Terms
Meat from uninspected slaughter is unsafe and illegal for sale Cold chain maintenance is essential for meat safety — especially in hot climates Livestock disease outbreaks can devastate livelihoods — early reporting is critical
Official Resources
Website: https://www.fmard.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the National Agricultural Policy, the Animal Diseases (Control) Act, the Veterinary Surgeons Act, the National Livestock Transformation Plan, the Land Use Act 1978 for grazing reserves, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act 2015 for meat quality standards.