Tinubu Targets More Than Doubling Nigeria’s $32bn Livestock Sector

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says his administration is targeting more than a twofold increase in the contribution of Nigeria’s livestock sector to the national economy as the Federal Government steps up efforts to strengthen food security, create jobs and diversify the economy.

Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while declaring open the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture.

The President said the livestock industry currently contributes more than $32 billion annually to Nigeria’s economy and remains a major source of food, employment and income for millions of Nigerians.

“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.

According to the President, Nigeria has an estimated livestock population of more than 58 million cattle, 64 million sheep, 124 million goats and 660 million poultry birds, supporting livelihoods across the country.

Tinubu said the livestock sector had been placed at the centre of the administration’s food security and economic diversification agenda.

He cited the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024 as evidence of the government’s commitment to transforming the sector.

He said the ministry was established to move livestock production away from largely subsistence and traditional practices towards a modern, technology-driven and commercially competitive industry capable of competing in global markets.

The President also said the government had approved institutional reforms based on recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms.

The reforms, he explained, are aimed at strengthening governance, improving productivity, encouraging peaceful livestock production systems and attracting greater private-sector investment.

Tinubu said the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy was among the key initiatives being deployed to unlock the sector’s economic potential.

The strategy focuses on improving livestock productivity, strengthening value chains, expanding animal health services, increasing commercial feed production and improving livestock genetics.

It also promotes climate-smart production systems, peacebuilding and the development of Nigeria as a regional hub for livestock investment and exports.

The President said the administration was encouraging modern livestock production systems, including ranching, to increase productivity and address conflicts associated with traditional livestock practices.

He listed dairy production, meat processing, leather, feed milling and livestock infrastructure among areas where investment opportunities exist.

Tinubu said the government was also working to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products, which he said consumes significant foreign exchange.

He said the ongoing dairy transformation programme was targeting a doubling of domestic milk production through improved genetics, better nutrition, modern breeding techniques and stronger private-sector participation.

The programme is expected to support improved breeds, pasture development, commercial feed production, milk collection facilities and investment in modern dairy processing plants.

Beyond food production, Tinubu said the livestock value chain could become a major source of employment, particularly for Nigeria’s growing youth population.

“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 seeking to expand opportunities for women and young people through improved access to finance, innovation, digital technology, value-chain development and partnerships with private businesses.

The President also called for stronger cooperation among African countries, noting that challenges such as 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.

Tinubu said Nigeria would continue to support regional collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, particularly in livestock production and trade.

He challenged delegates at the conference to develop practical recommendations on animal health, disease control, climate-smart agriculture, livestock genetics, regional trade, youth and women empowerment, research, innovation and investment.

The President assured participants that Nigeria was prepared to work with other African countries, development partners, research institutions and private-sector investors to build a more 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,” he said.

Tinubu subsequently declared the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture open and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to providing leadership in the transformation of Africa’s livestock sector.