…Initiative’ll raise GDP contribution from $32bn to $74bn by 2035
‘…Govt’ll digitalise grazing routes, set border controls against disease outbreaks’
…New regional Commissions’ll address devt disparities – Minister
…Media invaluable partners in informing Nigerians – Idris
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has disclosed that the Ministry had begun drastic reforms in the sector to harness its N33 trillion revenue potential in the country.
The minister also said the Ministry “aims to increase the livestock sector’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035.”
Maiha, who made the disclosures Friday at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series, hosted by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, said the Ministry had put in place machinery to transform the country’s livestock industry.
He, however, said the consumption of hide and skin, commonly known as pomo, was costing Nigeria at least N23 billion annually and depriving the country of approximately 700, 000 jobs.
Maiha also disclosed that the Ministry was committed to diversifying the country’s economy and increasing its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product to 10 per cent from 5 per cent by 2030.
“It is estimated that Nigeria’s livestock sector is valued at over 33 trillion, making it one of the most significant, yet underutilised, economic assets in the country. We have one of the largest livestock populations in Africa, a rapidly expanding market for meat and dairy products, and a strategic location for exports.
“However, poor infrastructure, inadequate investment, outdated production methods, and persistent conflicts between farmers and herders have prevented the sector from reaching its full potential.
“Recognising these challenges and the enormous opportunities, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu established the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development on July 9, 2024, to drive a new era of transformation, innovation and sustainable growth. Our mandate extends far beyond traditional livestock management. We are here to diversify the economy, drive industrialisation, strengthen private sector participation, and secure Nigeria’s future in the global agricultural market.
“Over the past few months, we have laid the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth. Our goal is for Nigeria’s livestock sector to become a major contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the current 5 percent to 10 percent by 2030, creating millions of jobs, and producing sufficient meat, dairy and other animal products to not only meet domestic demand, but also compete in the global market.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is, therefore, committed to delivering real and measurable progress that translates into better opportunities for livestock producers, more jobs for Nigerians, greater food security, and a stronger economy.”
According to Maiha, the Ministry will position Nigeria as a key player in both domestic and international markets for animal protein like Brazil, Argentina, and the United States.
He said the Ministry “will reposition Nigeria’s livestock sector to generate over 500, 000 new jobs, thus helping to reduce unemployment and drive rural economic growth by 2027.”
“The Ministry is already engaging stakeholders, including traditional rulers, development partners, and foreign embassies, to raise awareness of the sector’s potential.
“Nigeria has forged strategic partnerships with international investors, agencies, and diplomatic missions to secure technical expertise, financing, and investment in the livestock industry. Partner countries include Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Mexico, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.”
According to the minister, these collaborations will focus on opportunities in meat processing, dairy production, animal health, feed production, and cold-chain logistics.