Tinubu Targets $64bn Livestock Economy, Unveils Expansion Plans

ABUJA — The Federal Government is targeting a doubling of Nigeria’s livestock sector’s economic contribution from its current annual value of more than $32 billion, President Bola Tinubu has said.

The President disclosed this yesterday at the opening of the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture in Abuja.

Tinubu, who was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said expanding the livestock industry was a key component of his administration’s efforts to improve food security, create employment and diversify the economy.

He said the livestock sector was already making a significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy by providing food, jobs and income for millions of people.

“Our national strategy aims to double the sector’s economic contributions to position Nigeria as a leading hub for livestock production and processing in Africa,” he said.

According to the President, Nigeria has more than 58 million cattle, 64 million sheep, 124 million goats and 660 million poultry species, with the sector supporting livelihoods across the country.

Tinubu said his administration had placed agriculture and food security at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He cited the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024 as evidence of the government’s determination to modernise the sector.

“The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development marked the beginning of a comprehensive national livestock transformation programme,” he said.

The President said the new ministry was established to transform livestock farming from predominantly subsistence and traditional methods into a modern, technology-based, commercially viable and globally integrated industry.

He identified the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy as another major component of the government’s livestock transformation agenda.

According to him, the strategy is designed to improve productivity and strengthen every stage of the livestock value chain, from animal health and genetics to feed production and processing.

He said: “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.”

Tinubu said the government was also encouraging ranching and other modern livestock production systems to raise productivity while reducing conflicts associated with traditional livestock practices.

He added that the administration was actively seeking investment across major areas of the livestock industry, including dairy, meat processing, leather, feed milling and livestock infrastructure.

“Our ongoing dairy transformation programme seeks to double local milk production through improved genetics, better nutrition, modern breeding systems, and stronger private sector participation,” the President said.

He disclosed that programmes had also been introduced to support improved animal breeds, pasture development, commercial feed production, milk collection facilities, private dairy investments and modern processing plants.

Tinubu said the broader objective was to turn livestock production into a modern and commercially competitive industry that would strengthen Nigeria’s food system, create jobs, attract investment and increase the sector’s contribution to economic growth.

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