Tinubu Targets $32bn Livestock Economy, Millions of Jobs

Tinubu Targets $32bn Livestock Economy, Millions of Jobs
Says Nigeria Has 58m Cattle, 124m Goats, 660m Poultry
Moves to Cut Dairy Imports

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled plans to transform Nigeria’s livestock industry into a major economic hub, with the Federal Government targeting more than $32 billion in annual economic contribution from the sector.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that Tinubu said the livestock transformation programme would strengthen food security, create millions of jobs, reduce dependence on imported dairy products and diversify the Nigerian economy.

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The President spoke on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

According to Tinubu, Nigeria currently has more than 58 million cattle, 64 million sheep, 124 million goats and 660 million poultry, supporting millions of livelihoods across the country.

“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.

The President said the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024 marked a major step towards transforming livestock production from largely subsistence practices into a modern, technology-driven and commercially competitive industry.

He said the Federal Government had also approved institutional reforms based on the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms to improve governance, increase productivity, promote peaceful livestock production and attract private investment.

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Tinubu identified the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy as a key component of the government’s transformation agenda, saying it would focus on livestock productivity, value-chain development, animal health, commercial feed production, improved genetics and climate-smart production.

The strategy, he added, would also strengthen peacebuilding efforts and position Nigeria as a regional destination for livestock investment and exports.

The President said the government was promoting ranching and other modern livestock production systems to increase productivity while reducing conflicts associated with traditional livestock practices.

He said investments were also being encouraged in dairy production, meat processing, leather, feed milling and other livestock infrastructure.

On dairy production, Tinubu said the government was taking deliberate measures to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products, which consume significant foreign exchange.

“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.

According to him, the programme would support improved livestock breeds, pasture development, commercial feed production, milk collection infrastructure, private dairy investments and modern processing facilities.

Tinubu also identified livestock as a major opportunity for tackling youth unemployment, saying millions of jobs could be created across the value chain.

“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.

He said the administration would expand opportunities for young people and women by improving access to finance, innovation, digital technology and livestock value-chain businesses, while strengthening partnerships with the private sector.

The President also called for greater cooperation among African countries to address challenges affecting livestock production, including animal diseases, climate change, food insecurity, trade barriers and cross-border livestock movements.

“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.

Tinubu pledged Nigeria’s continued support for regional collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, particularly in livestock production and trade.

He urged delegates at the conference to develop practical recommendations on animal health, disease control, climate-smart livestock production, genetics, regional trade, youth and women empowerment, research, innovation and investment.

The President assured participants that Nigeria was ready to collaborate with African countries, development partners, research institutions and private investors 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.

Tinubu subsequently declared the conference open, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to playing a leading role in the transformation of Africa’s livestock industry.