Livestock sector GDP rises to N3.23trn

The livestock sector in Nigeria has seen a significant increase in its contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reaching N3.23 trillion, announced the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha. The minister attributed this growth to the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, which aims to formalize and modernize the sector, tapping into its economic potential.

To achieve these goals, the government has consolidated existing livestock policies into the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, divided into 10 key pillars, and developed a National Livestock Master Plan with a 15-year perspective.

Maiha emphasized that Nigeria's livestock sector is valued at around $32 billion and highlighted efforts to boost productivity and develop various aspects of the livestock value chain. The number of states with dedicated livestock ministries or agencies has expanded from three to 21, signaling the government's commitment to promoting the sector.

Livestock Development Centres, established through partnerships among federal and state governments and the private sector, will focus on genetic improvement, feed and fodder, animal health, biosecurity, processing, and other crucial components of the livestock value chain.

In line with modernization, the minister noted that open grazing and nomadism are no longer viable practices, as they contribute to conflicts and hinder productivity. Nigeria currently has approximately 417 grazing reserves, many of which require rehabilitation due to encroachment. To address these issues, the government is collaborating with willing states to establish settled production systems.

Furthermore, the government plans to implement identification and traceability systems, including ear tags, radio-frequency identification, and microchipping for every four-legged animal, enabling the monitoring of animal movement and the creation of reliable data on the country's livestock population. This initiative will facilitate disease control and vaccination planning for various diseases, ultimately enhancing the economic value derived from the livestock sector in Nigeria.