Nigeria’s Livestock Sector Set to Hit $74bn GDP in 10 Years – FG Plans Major Boost
The Federal Government has unveiled ambitious plans to expand Nigeria’s livestock sector, aiming to increase its contribution to the national GDP from $32 billion to over $74 billion within the next decade. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made the announcement on Tuesday during a livestock stakeholders’ forum in Ilorin, which drew over 250 participants from across the livestock value chain.
Speaking through his Special Adviser, Mr Mark Mbaram, the minister emphasized that the government is committed to positioning livestock as a key driver of food security, economic growth, and job creation. “Food security is a critical component of national security, and livestock development is now at the forefront of our national agenda,” Maiha said.
To achieve these targets, the ministry has launched a National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, already approved by the National Economic Council. The strategy prioritizes ranching as a sustainable model, moving away from open grazing and itinerant herding, which Maiha described as outdated and unprofitable. “Ranching allows for better animal management, higher productivity, and increased returns on investment,” he added.
The minister also highlighted the economic opportunities in the sector, including beef production, poultry, dairy farming, and micro-ruminant farming. He praised the Kwara State Government for its active role in promoting livestock development, with Commissioner Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas stressing the state’s commitment to addressing sector challenges through policy-driven interventions and stakeholder engagement.
Other officials, including Mohammed Ahmad Umar, Director of Livestock Services, and Dr Olugbon Abdullateef Salman, Director of Veterinary Services, underscored the importance of harnessing the sector’s untapped potential. They called for improved animal health, vaccination, market access, and private-sector partnerships as essential steps to transforming livestock farming into a profitable and sustainable industry.
source: punch