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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has set a target to more than double the contribution of Nigeria’s livestock sector to the national economy, currently valued at more than $32 billion annually.
Tinubu, who spoke at the opening of the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture in Abuja yesterday, said his administration was working to transform Nigeria into a leading livestock production and processing hub in Africa.
The President, who was represented at the conference by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said the livestock sector currently contributed more than $32 billion annually to the Nigerian economy and supported millions of livelihoods.
“Our national strategy aims to more than double the sector’s economic contributions to position Nigeria as a leading hub for livestock production and processing in Africa,” he said.
The target, if achieved, would take the sector’s annual contribution beyond $64 billion.
Tinubu said Nigeria had substantial livestock resources capable of supporting the planned expansion, citing estimates of more than 58 million cattle, 64 million sheep, 124 million goats and 660 million poultry.
He said agriculture and food security remained central to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024 was a major step towards unlocking the sector’s potential.
According to him, the ministry was established to transform livestock production from traditional and largely subsistence systems into a modern, technology-driven and commercially competitive industry.
“The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development marked the beginning of a comprehensive national livestock transformation programme,” he said.
Tinubu said the government had also embarked on institutional reforms based on the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms.
He said the reforms were aimed at improving governance, increasing productivity, promoting peaceful livestock production systems and attracting private-sector investment.
The President identified the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy as a key component of the government’s livestock transformation programme.
He said the strategy would focus on increasing productivity, strengthening value chains, improving animal health services, expanding commercial feed production, enhancing livestock genetics and promoting climate-smart production systems.
The strategy would also support peacebuilding around livestock production and position Nigeria as a destination for livestock investment and exports in the region, he said.
Tinubu said the government was promoting ranching and other modern livestock production systems to increase productivity and address conflicts associated with traditional livestock production.
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He said the government was also encouraging investment in dairy production, meat processing, leather, feed milling and livestock infrastructure.
The President identified dairy production as an area with significant potential for reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported milk and conserving foreign exchange.
“Our ongoing dairy transformation programme seeks to double local milk production through improved genetics, better nutrition, modern breeding systems, and stronger private sector participation,” he said.
He said the programme would support improved animal breeds, pasture development, commercial feed production, milk collection infrastructure, private dairy investments and modern processing facilities.
Tinubu also said the livestock sector could generate millions of jobs, particularly for young Nigerians.
“Millions of jobs can be created for our growing youth population in Africa. The Nigerian government is committed to fully optimising the value chain,” he said.
He said the government would increase the participation of women and young people in livestock businesses through improved access to finance, digital technology, innovation, value-chain opportunities and private-sector partnerships.
The President said developing the livestock sector required viewing it as an integrated commercial industry covering production, processing, transportation, technology, finance and exports.
He also called for stronger cooperation among African countries to address challenges confronting the livestock sector.
Tinubu identified animal diseases, climate change, food insecurity, trade barriers and transboundary livestock movements as challenges requiring coordinated continental responses.
“The future of Africa’s livestock industry depends on innovation, science, technology, and regional cooperation. No country can achieve sustainable livestock transformation in isolation.”
He said Nigeria would continue to support regional cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area, particularly through increased livestock production and trade across African markets.
Tinubu challenged delegates at the conference to develop practical recommendations on animal health and disease control, climate-smart production, livestock genetics, regional trade, youth and women empowerment, research, innovation and investment.
He assured delegates that Nigeria was ready to work with African countries, development partners, research institutions and private-sector operators to develop a livestock industry capable of competing in the global market.
“Together, we can transform Africa from a continent with enormous livestock potential into a global leader in livestock production.”
He subsequently declared the conference open.
