The Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has advocated the need for stronger civil-military collaboration to enhance sustainable livestock production and strengthen national security.

General Musa, represented by Major General Godwin Mutkut, at the 51st Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production, held in collaboration with the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, highlighted the link between food systems and national security.

He said that food insecurity can drive and result from conflicts, particularly, in rural communities. He cited the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited, NAFARL, as a strategic initiative aimed at boosting food security and addressing farmer-herder conflicts through structured livestock production.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, represented by Sule Shuaibu, said livestock production is critical to food security, job creation, and economic diversification. He noted that the state government has invested in livestock infrastructure, grazing reserves, and veterinary services to modernise the sector.

The conference brought together military experts, scientific research, and practical farming experience to address challenges in livestock production.

The President of NSAP, Olaniyi Babayemi, described the conference as historic and stressed that food security is fundamental to national security.

The conference is expected to generate actionable recommendations to guide policy and strengthen Nigeria's livestock sector.

It featured discussions on practical solutions, including controlled grazing systems, ranching innovations, and technology-driven livestock management.