President Bola Tinubu has set an ambitious target to more than double Nigeria’s livestock sector’s annual economic contribution from its current $32 billion, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to tackle food insecurity, create jobs and diversify the economy.
Tinubu disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture, where he said Nigeria was positioning the livestock industry as a major engine of economic growth and a potential regional hub for production, processing and exports.
The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the livestock sector already contributes more than $32 billion annually to the Nigerian economy, with millions of Nigerians depending on it for food, income and livelihoods.Breaking News Alerts
“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.
The President said the country’s livestock population includes more than 58 million cattle, 64 million sheep, 124 million goats and 660 million poultry, describing the scale of the sector as evidence of its enormous economic potential.
He said his administration had placed agriculture and food security at the centre of its Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing to the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024 as a major step towards transforming the industry.
According to Tinubu, the ministry was established to move livestock production away from largely subsistence and traditional practices towards a modern, technology-driven and commercially competitive industry integrated into global markets.
He said the government had also approved institutional reforms based on the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms to improve governance, raise productivity, promote peaceful livestock production and attract private investment.
At the heart of the government’s strategy, he said, is the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, designed to strengthen the entire livestock value chain.
The strategy covers improved animal health services, commercial feed production, livestock genetics, climate-smart production, value-chain development, peacebuilding and the expansion of opportunities for livestock investment and exports.
Tinubu also highlighted ranching and modern livestock production systems as part of efforts to improve productivity while reducing conflicts associated with traditional livestock practices.
He said the government was encouraging investment in dairy production, meat processing, leather, feed milling and livestock infrastructure.
A major focus, according to the President, is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products and retaining more foreign exchange within 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, milk collection facilities, private dairy investments and modern processing plants.
Beyond food production, Tinubu said the livestock value chain could become a major source of employment for Nigeria’s rapidly growing youth population, with opportunities spanning 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.
He added that the government was working to increase the participation of women and young people through improved access to finance, digital technology, innovation, value-chain opportunities and private-sector partnerships.
Tinubu also called for greater cooperation among African countries, noting that animal diseases, climate change, food insecurity, trade barriers and cross-border livestock movement could not be effectively addressed by individual countries acting alone.
“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 collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, particularly in livestock production and trade.
The President challenged delegates at the conference to develop practical recommendations covering animal health, disease control, climate-smart production, genetics, regional trade, youth and women empowerment, research, innovation and investment.
He assured participants that Nigeria was prepared to work with other African countries, development partners, research institutions and private investors to build a productive, sustainable and globally competitive livestock industry.
“Together, we can transform Africa from a continent with enormous livestock potential into a global leader in livestock production,” Tinubu said.
He thereafter declared the conference open, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to providing leadership in the transformation of Africa’s livestock sector.
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