Federal Government Aims to Double Livestock Sector’s Economic Value

The Federal Government has announced an ambitious plan to more than double the contribution of the livestock sector to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), targeting an increase from $32 billion to over $74 billion within the next decade.

This disclosure was made on Tuesday in Ilorin by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during a stakeholder engagement convened by the Kwara State Government. The event gathered more than 250 participants from across the livestock value chain.

Represented by his Special Adviser, Mr. Mark Mbaram, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector into a central pillar for food security, job creation, and economic expansion. He emphasized that food security is a fundamental aspect of national security, driving the current policy focus.

Minister Maiha outlined that a National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy has been developed and approved by the National Economic Council. A key component of this strategy is a shift towards ranching, with a special committee established to promote it as a sustainable development model.

“The era of open grazing and itinerant herding is no longer sustainable,” stated Maiha. “Ranching remains the most viable option for modern livestock production, enabling better management, higher productivity, and greater profitability.”

The minister highlighted the vast potential within beef, poultry, dairy, and micro-ruminant production, asserting that a sector once seen as challenging is now poised to become a major economic asset.

In her remarks, Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, said the state is focused on tackling sectoral challenges through inclusive dialogue and policy interventions. The engagement included poultry farmers, pastoralists, ranchers, feed millers, and various professional associations.

Officials also addressed historical underinvestment in the sector. The Director of Livestock Services, Mohammed Ahmad Umar, noted that the sector’s economic potential was previously overlooked. He added that the forum aimed to identify problems and craft sustainable solutions through collaboration.

Concluding the engagement, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Olugbon Abdullateef Salman, underscored animal health as critical to profitability. He urged farmers to prioritize vaccination and proper care to prevent disease, safeguard investments, and protect public health from zoonotic infections.