The newly created Ministry of Livestock Development is poised to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector, unlocking its economic potential and modernizing traditional practices. This was revealed by the Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhatar Maiha, during a ministerial briefing in Abuja.
Hon. Maiha acknowledged public concerns over the necessity of the ministry but emphasized that Nigeria’s livestock sector holds an estimated value of ₦33 trillion, a resource past administrations have overlooked. According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to establish the ministry is a strategic move to formalize and modernize the sector, making it more competitive globally.
“Our vision is to build a resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive livestock industry that drives economic diversification, job creation, and food security,” he stated. The ministry’s mission, he added, is to implement innovative policies and programs to unlock the sector’s true potential.
According to the Minister, Since the establishment of the Ministry, it has begun the process of separating from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. In record time, it has created seven new technical departments to oversee different aspects of the sector.
“We have formed a solid team that is actively engaging sub-national governments, traditional rulers, development partners, and foreign embassies to raise awareness of the sector’s economic potential,” the minister disclosed.
Maiha said one of the ministry’s top priorities is the genetic upgrade of indigenous livestock to enhance productivity while preserving Nigeria’s resilient local breeds. Plans are underway to establish a gene bank to safeguard indigenous animal genetics and ensure their conservation for future generations.
Recognizing the importance of feed and fodder, Maiha said the ministry is mapping out and assessing Nigeria’s 417 grazing reserves, covering over 5 million hectares of land. These reserves will be developed into fully equipped economic hubs, featuring water sources, veterinary clinics, schools, and processing facilities for dairy, meat, and other livestock products.
The ministry is also embracing digital solutions to modernize livestock management. A national animal identification and tagging system has been launched to combat cattle rustling and improve traceability. Additionally, cattle routes, grazing reserves, and water resources have been digitized, allowing real-time monitoring of the sector’s assets.
He said Nigeria’s livestock industry is attracting strong interest from international investors. During a recent visit to Brazil, the Nigerian delegation secured a commitment from JBS S.A., the world’s largest red meat processor, to invest $2.5 billion in Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Hon. Maiha also highlighted engagements with embassies from the U.S., France, the UK, Morocco, China, and Mexico, as well as global agribusiness giants like Nestlé, Arla, and Danone. These discussions are expected to lead to major investments in Nigeria’s livestock value chain.
Read also: Federal Government’s livestock initiative set to benefit 1.43 Million Nigerians
Despite growing demand for Nigerian red meat in international markets, Hon. Maiha acknowledged that the country’s abattoir facilities do not meet global hygiene standards. The ministry is working to modernize the sector by revamping 13 key abattoirs across the country and attracting investment to improve slaughterhouse conditions.
“Traditional slaughterhouses must be upgraded to meet international standards before we can tap into lucrative export markets,” he stressed. The government is engaging private investors and state governments to ensure adequate feedstock and efficient meat processing operations.
The government is also prioritizing women and youth participation in livestock agribusiness through initiatives focused on commercial pasture cultivation and poultry farming. The ministry is in discussions with development banks and partners to provide funding for these programs, ensuring inclusive growth in the industry.
A critical aspect of livestock development is animal health and disease management. Nigeria’s National Veterinary Institute in Vom, despite being over 100 years old, currently meets only 15% of the country’s vaccine needs. To address this, the ministry is working on full commercialization of the institute to ramp up production to 1.2 billion vaccine doses annually.
Maiha highlighted that, with President Tinubu’s backing, the Ministry of Livestock Development is setting a bold course for Nigeria’s livestock industry. From modernizing cattle farming to securing multi-billion-dollar investments and enhancing meat processing standards, the ministry is positioning Nigeria as a global leader in livestock production.
Maiha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to economic diversification and job creation through livestock development, emphasizing that with the right infrastructure, policies, and investments, Nigeria’s livestock industry will become a major driver of national prosperity.
