Livestock Movement by Rail to Resume Amidst Transport Challenges After temporary disruptions due to operational challenges, livestock movement by rail is set to resume shortly. This announcement brings relief to the livestock industry, which has been grappling with transportation bottlenecks in recent months. The resumption of rail services will significantly improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of transporting livestock across long distances. By rail, animals can be transported in large quantities, reducing the need for multiple truckloads and minimizing the risk of stress and injury. “We are pleased to announce that livestock movement by rail will resume soon,” said a spokesperson for the National Livestock Transportation Association. “This is an important step towards addressing the transportation challenges faced by our industry.” The disruption in rail services had led to increased reliance on truck transport, resulting in higher transportation costs and logistical delays. The resumption of rail transport will ease these pressures and provide livestock producers with additional flexibility and cost savings. Rail operators have implemented enhanced safety and biosecurity measures to ensure the well-being of livestock during transport. These measures include sanitary conditions, proper ventilation, and experienced personnel to monitor the animals throughout the journey. The livestock industry is eagerly anticipating the resumption of rail services, which will play a vital role in ensuring the efficient and timely delivery of livestock to markets and processing facilities. This will not only benefit producers but also consumers who rely on a steady supply of meat and dairy products. As rail transport resumes, the livestock industry remains committed to working closely with rail operators to maintain high standards of animal welfare and operational efficiency. This collaboration will ensure that the resumption of rail services will have a positive and lasting impact on the livestock industry.Nigerian Railways to Resume Livestock Transport by RailNigerian Railways to Resume Livestock Transport by Rail The Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) has announced that it will soon offer rail services to transport livestock from the northern region to the southern part of the country. The resumption of livestock transportation by rail, which was halted in 2017 due to technical issues, is expected to commence within one to two months. The service will operate through the Warri-Itakpe rail route, enabling herders to move their cattle from the north-central region (Itakpe, Kogi State) to the southern region (Warri, Delta State). NRC Director General Fidet Okhiria revealed that the corporation has procured specialized wagons for transporting cattle, which are currently being assembled at the Kajola facility in Oyo State. Okhiria emphasized that the NRC aims to modernize freight transport in Nigeria and connect cities through rail lines. President Bola Tinubu recently announced plans for a new ministry dedicated to livestock development and inaugurated the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee. These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to addressing issues within the livestock sector. The resumption of rail livestock transportation is expected to boost the economy, enhance the efficiency of goods movement, and contribute to the overall growth and development of the nation.Livestock Movement by Rail to Resume Soon The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that the suspension of livestock movement by rail will be lifted soon. The resumption will take effect from a specified date, which will be communicated to the public in due course. The suspension was imposed several weeks ago to contain an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in some parts of the country. The Ministry has since implemented enhanced surveillance and control measures to contain the spread of the disease. To ensure the safe movement of livestock by rail, the Ministry has directed all stakeholders to adhere to strict biosecurity measures. These measures include: * Thoroughly disinfecting all livestock vehicles and equipment. * Vaccinating all animals against FMD and other preventable diseases. * Obtaining health certificates from qualified veterinarians before movement. * Reporting suspected cases of FMD or other animal diseases immediately to the nearest veterinary authority. The Ministry urges all livestock owners, traders, and transporters to cooperate fully with the authorities to prevent the re-emergence of FMD and other livestock diseases. Regular monitoring and enforcement of biosecurity measures will be carried out to ensure compliance. The resumption of livestock movement by rail is expected to boost the livestock industry and facilitate the efficient movement of livestock to markets and slaughterhouses. The Ministry encourages all stakeholders to exercise due diligence to maintain a healthy and productive livestock sector.