…As Nigeria hosts 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture
By Gabriel Ewepu
ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has disclosed plans by his administration to more than double the livestock sector’s current $32 billion annual contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
Tinubu spoke on Monday at the opening of the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture in Abuja, saying the target was part of efforts to strengthen food security, create jobs and diversify the nation’s economy.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the President said Nigeria’s livestock sector currently contributes more than $32 billion annually to the national economy, stressing that the industry remained a major source of food, employment and economic opportunities.
He formally declared the conference open and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to providing leadership in Africa’s livestock transformation.
“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,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria has more than 58 million cattle, 64 million sheep, 124 million goats and 660 million poultry, supporting livelihoods across the country.
He said his administration had placed agriculture and food security at the centre of its Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu said the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024 demonstrated his administration’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector.
“The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development marked the beginning of a comprehensive national livestock transformation programme,” he said.
He explained that the ministry was created to transform livestock production from largely subsistence and traditional practices into a modern, technology-driven, commercially competitive and globally integrated industry.
He added that his administration had approved institutional reforms based on the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms to strengthen governance, improve productivity, promote peaceful livestock production systems and attract private sector investment.
The President said the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy was among the initiatives being implemented to unlock opportunities in the sector.
He said the strategy was designed to increase livestock productivity, strengthen value chains, improve animal health services, expand commercial feed production, enhance livestock genetics and promote climate-smart production systems.
“The strategy focuses on increasing livestock productivity, strengthening value chains, improving animal health services, expanding commercial feed production, enhancing livestock genetics, promoting climate-smart production systems, improving peacebuilding, and positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for livestock investment and exports,” he said.
He added that the promotion of ranching and modern livestock production systems was aimed at improving productivity and reducing conflicts associated with traditional livestock production.
Tinubu said his administration was also working to attract investors into various value chains, including dairy, meat processing, leather, feed milling and livestock infrastructure.
He said the efforts were aimed at reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products, noting that the country currently spends significant foreign exchange on milk imports.
“Our ongoing dairy transformation programme seeks to double local milk production through improved genetics, better nutrition, modern breeding systems, and stronger private sector participation,” he said.
He further disclosed that the administration had initiated programmes to promote improved breeds, pasture development, commercial feed production, milk collection infrastructure, private dairy investments and modern processing facilities.
Tinubu stressed that the livestock value chain offered opportunities to create millions of jobs 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.
According to him, the administration was working to ensure significant participation of youths and women in livestock value chains through improved access to finance, innovation, digital technology, value-chain development and private-sector partnerships.
He also stressed the need for stronger continental cooperation, noting that animal diseases, climate change, food insecurity, trade barriers and transboundary livestock movements required coordinated solutions.
“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.
The President assured participants of Nigeria’s support for stronger regional collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), particularly in livestock production and trade.
He urged delegates at the conference to develop practical recommendations on animal health, disease control, climate-smart production, livestock genetics, regional trade, youth and women empowerment, research, innovation and investment.
Tinubu assured participants that Nigeria was ready to work with African countries, development partners, research institutions and the private sector to build a 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.
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