FG targets doubling livestock sector’s $32bn contribution

President Bola Tinubu announced Nigeria's ambition to more than double the livestock sector's contribution to the national economy, currently estimated at $32 billion annually. Speaking at the opening of the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the Federal Government's commitment to transforming the industry from a subsistence activity into a modern, technology-driven, and commercially competitive sector.

Nigeria boasts one of the largest livestock populations in Africa, with over 58 million cattle, 64 million sheep, 124 million goats, and 660 million poultry species. The President highlighted that the livestock sector already contributes significantly to the national economy and food security, and his administration has prioritized agriculture and food security as key components of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

This includes the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024, deemed a historic decision. Tinubu also outlined plans to strengthen governance, improve productivity, and promote peaceful and sustainable livestock production systems through institutional reforms. The National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy aims to enhance livestock productivity, strengthen value chains, improve animal health services, expand commercial feed production, and promote climate-smart production systems.

The government is also focused on increasing local milk production to reduce dependence on imports and boost rural incomes. Tinubu stressed the importance of continental cooperation in addressing challenges such as animal diseases, climate change, food insecurity, and trade barriers, emphasizing that no country can achieve sustainable livestock transformation in isolation.