Nigeria has taken a decisive step towards transforming its livestock industry, as the National Economic Council (NEC) constituted a high-level committee to fast-track livestock development and address the long-standing farmer–herder crisis threatening national food security.

The committee was inaugurated during the 155th NEC meeting held virtually on Wednesday and will work closely with key stakeholders to implement reforms aimed at modernising livestock production across the country. 

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the council, stated that Nigeria cannot guarantee food security without a practical, enduring, and nationally accepted solution to the farmer–herder conflict.

The NEC Livestock Development Committee includes representatives from all six geopolitical zones: Bauchi (North-East), Niger (North-Central), Ondo (South-West), Imo (South-East), Cross River (South-South) and Kebbi (North-West).

It also comprises the Ministers of Livestock Development, Agriculture and Food Security; Budget and Economic Planning; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness.

Council members directed the committee to review recommendations from the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee (PLRC) and proposals submitted by the Ministry of Livestock Development. 

The team is also tasked with identifying willing states to pilot livestock development programmes nationwide.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier instructed the NEC, at the Federal Executive Council meeting on December 10, 2025, to collaborate with the Ministry of Livestock Development to produce a clear roadmap for transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector into a modern, peaceful, and profitable contributor to the economy.

Vice President Shettima described food security as a moral obligation to Nigerians, noting that unresolved tensions between farmers and herders have disrupted livelihoods, destroyed farmlands and eroded trust in rural communities across all regions. 

He emphasised that livestock reform is not only an agricultural issue, but also a pathway to restoring peace, strengthening rural economies, and creating sustainable livelihoods, particularly for young people.

He urged state governors to take advantage of opportunities presented by livestock development, including job creation, climate-smart animal production and value-chain expansion. 

According to him, the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development underscores the administration’s commitment to repositioning the sector as a driver of economic growth and national stability.

Source: State House