Nigeria Targets Doubling Livestock Sector’s $32bn Output to Boost Economy

President Bola Tinubu has announced ambitious plans to more than double the livestock sector’s current $32 billion annual contribution to Nigeria’s economy, aiming to position the nation as a leading hub for livestock production and processing across Africa.

The statement was delivered in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who represented the President at the opening ceremony of the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture.

President Tinubu emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to transitioning livestock production from traditional, subsistence-based practices into a modern, technology-driven, and commercially competitive industry. Highlighting Nigeria’s asset base, he noted that the country possesses one of Africa’s largest livestock populations, comprising over 58 million cattle, 64 million sheep, 124 million goats, and 660 million poultry.

The administration underscored the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a pivotal step in implementing the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy. The key components of the reform agenda focus on promoting modern production systems and ranching to improve yields while minimizing farmer-herder disputes, expanding local dairy output to curb reliance on costly imports, and creating millions of jobs for young people across the entire value chain.

Addressing continental stakeholders, the government urged greater regional collaboration to tackle shared challenges like climate change, transboundary diseases, and trade barriers. The conference brought together policymakers, researchers, and private-sector players from across Africa to establish practical frameworks for transforming animal agriculture into a major driver of food security and economic growth.