The Federal Government is set to partner with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, to commercialise FUNAAB-Alpha, an indigenous poultry innovation.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this during a working visit to FUNAAB on September 30, 2026.
FUNAAB-Alpha was developed by Emerita Olufunmilayo Adebambo.
The innovation aims to strengthen livestock genetics and reduce dependence on imported breeding stock.
Maiha said commercialising it would advance Nigeria’s food-security agenda.
He described FUNAAB-Alpha as a research innovation with significant commercial potential.
The Minister stressed the need to move beyond research development to production, market penetration and widespread adoption.
He assured the university that the Ministry would collaborate on financing, institutional arrangements, production capacity, market development and distribution.
Strengthening Nigeria’s livestock genetics is central to the Federal Government’s livestock transformation agenda.
Maiha identified feed and fodder development, genetic improvement, and animal health as key priorities.
He said animals can only realise their genetic potential when adequately nourished.
On poultry, he described the sector as one of Nigeria’s most commercially developed livestock value chains.
He noted that feed costs, availability of day-old chicks and disease management are major challenges.
The Federal Government is taking steps to improve access to day-old chicks and strengthen domestic genetic development.
Maiha said a transformed livestock sector would contribute to food security, employment and wealth creation.
He also expressed optimism that Nigerian poultry genetics could serve markets across West Africa.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, welcomed the Minister and his delegation.
He described the visit as significant to FUNAAB’s commitment to teaching, research and extension services.
Kehinde assured the Minister of FUNAAB’s readiness to support the Federal Government’s livestock transformation agenda.
During the visit, Maiha inspected the FUNAAB-Alpha Poultry Breeding Facility.
He also inspected FUNAAB’s 3.4MW Hybrid Solar Power Plant.
The meeting was attended by the Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, and other officials.
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