The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has set an ambitious goal to increase the livestock sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035.
This target aims to position Nigeria as a major player in both domestic and global animal protein markets, competing with leading producers such as Brazil, Argentina, and the United States.
Speaking at a ministerial press briefing in Abuja on Friday, organised by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, highlighted the sector’s potential to drive economic growth. He stated that by 2027, the livestock industry is projected to create over 500,000 jobs, significantly reducing unemployment and boosting rural economies.
To achieve this vision, the ministry has been actively engaging stakeholders, including traditional rulers, development partners, and foreign embassies, to raise awareness and attract investment in the sector.
Maiha also revealed that the ministry has already established seven key departments, each dedicated to strengthening different aspects of the livestock value chain.
Addressing infrastructure challenges in the industry, he announced plans to revamp grazing reserves nationwide. These reserves will be equipped with feed and fodder facilities, water resources, veterinary services, and schools for pastoral families, ensuring sustainable development in the sector.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming livestock farming into a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth and food security.
“With more than 417 grazing reserves spanning over 5 million hectares, the government aims to transform these areas into economic hubs for beef production, dairy farming, and leather processing”.
He added that the ministry has also secured significant investment commitments from international partners.
“One of the most significant outcomes of these international engagements spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu was Brazil-Nigeria Trade Mission which secured a landmark $2.5 billion investment deal with JBS S.A, the world’s largest meat processing company.”
The minister stated that the partnership will lead to the establishment of large-scale meat processing plants for beef, poultry, and pig production. This initiative is expected to create over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs in Nigeria’s meat industry while strengthening the country’s presence in global livestock markets, increasing exports to regions such as the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa.
He also revealed that discussions are ongoing with private-sector investors from the U.S., France, the U.K., China, and Morocco, among others, to further develop the sector.
To enhance exports and meet international standards, Maiha emphasized that the ministry is prioritizing the modernisation of abattoirs nationwide.
“Currently, many slaughterhouses operate below global hygiene standards, limiting Nigeria’s ability to export processed meat.
“Over the last seven months, the Ministry has had several engagements with investors, agribusiness firms, and livestock value chain actors to drive investments in establishment of farms, breed improvement and artificial insemination initiatives, expansion of feed and fodder production, input supplies, cold-chain logistics for safe transportation of packaged meat and dairy products and the modernisation of abattoirs and processing facilities to meet international standards.
“The government is working with sub-national entities and private investors to rehabilitate and expand meat processing facilities to meet export requirements”.
According to the minister, these initiatives have attracted significant private sector interest, with investors keen on establishing large-scale dairy farms, meat processing plants, and feed production factories across Nigeria.
Additionally, efforts are underway to maximize the use of livestock byproducts, such as bones, hides, and horns, which are currently underutilised. Proper processing of these materials, he estimated, could generate up to N23 billion in additional revenue and create 700,000 jobs.
Acknowledging the importance of accurate data, the minister stated that the ministry is leveraging technology to conduct a nationwide livestock census.
“The last official census was in 1991, making current figures unreliable. A national livestock identification and tracking system has been launched to monitor animal populations, prevent theft, and improve disease management.
Maiha while noting that the government is also prioritising animal health, as Nigeria currently imports $1.5 billion worth of vaccines annually, said plans are underway to commercialise the National Veterinary Research Institute to ensure the domestic production of at least 1.2 billion vaccine doses per year.
“Currently, the livestock sector contributes approximately 5% to Nigeria’s GDP. The ministry’s ambitious goal is to double this contribution through policy reforms, investments, and increased production. Strategies include increasing milk yields from the current 2 liters per cow per day to at least 30 liters and improving beef cattle growth rates to reach market weight within two and a half years.
“We are embarking on a massive genetic upgrade of our livestock to boost productivity,” the minister stated.
“This will be achieved through methodical improvements in breeding, animal health, and feed production. Our goal is to move from subsistence to commercial-scale operations, ensuring that Nigeria becomes a major player in global livestock trade,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that the briefing session serves as a platform to showcase the achievements of the Tinubu Administration across various sectors of the economy.
“It is my pleasure to welcome you to the second edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series. As you may recall, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, I inaugurated this year’s series by highlighting key successes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
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