President Bola Tinubu has set a target to more than double Nigeria’s livestock sector’s annual contribution to the economy from $32bn to about $64bn.
Tinubu disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture. The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the livestock sector already contributes more than $32bn annually to Nigeria’s economy. He said millions of Nigerians depend on the sector for food, income and their 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,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu highlights livestock potential
The President said Nigeria has more than 58 million cattle, 64 million sheep, 124 million goats and 660 million poultry. He described the figures as evidence of the livestock sector’s huge economic potential. Tinubu said his administration had placed agriculture and food security at the centre of its Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also cited the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024 as a major step towards transforming the industry. According to him, the ministry aims to move livestock production from traditional practices to a modern and commercially competitive industry.
Tinubu said the government had also approved reforms based on the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms. The reforms are aimed at improving governance, increasing productivity, promoting peaceful livestock production and attracting private investment.
Government targets livestock value chain
Tinubu said the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy would strengthen the entire livestock value chain. The strategy covers animal health, commercial feed production, livestock genetics and climate-smart production. It also includes value-chain development, peacebuilding and greater opportunities for investment and exports.
The President highlighted ranching and modern livestock systems as part of efforts to increase productivity and reduce conflicts linked to traditional livestock practices. He said the government was also encouraging investment in dairy production, meat processing, leather, feed milling and livestock infrastructure. Tinubu said a major priority was to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products and retain more foreign exchange in the economy.
“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.
The programme will support improved breeds, pasture development, commercial feed production and milk collection facilities. It will also promote private dairy investments and modern processing plants.
Livestock sector to create millions of jobs
Tinubu said the livestock value chain could become a major source of jobs for Nigeria’s growing youth population. He said opportunities existed across production, processing, logistics, technology and exports.
“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.
The President added that the government was working to increase the participation of women and young people in the sector. He said the effort would focus on access to finance, digital technology, innovation and private-sector partnerships.
Tinubu seeks African cooperation
Tinubu also called for stronger cooperation among African countries on livestock development. He said animal diseases, climate change, food insecurity, trade barriers and cross-border livestock movement required joint action.
“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.
He said Nigeria would continue to support continental cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area, especially in livestock production and trade. The President challenged delegates at the conference to develop practical recommendations on animal health, disease control, climate-smart production and livestock genetics.He also called for recommendations on regional trade, youth and women empowerment, research, innovation and investment.
Tinubu assured participants that Nigeria was ready to work with African countries, development partners, research institutions and private investors.
“Together, we can transform Africa from a continent with enormous livestock potential into a global leader in livestock production,” he said.
He thereafter declared the conference open and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector.
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