President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his administration is targeting more than doubling the economic contribution of Nigeria’s livestock sector, which currently generates over $32 billion annually.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the President disclosed the ambitious growth target on Monday, August 10, 2026, in Abuja at the opening of the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture.
Highlighting Nigeria’s massive livestock inventory, comprising over 58 million cattle, 64 million sheep, 124 million goats, and 660 million poultry species, President Tinubu emphasised that establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024 marked the formal pivot from traditional subsistence farming to a commercialised, technology-driven industry.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
The administration is implementing the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy to enhance animal genetics, expand commercial feed production, upgrade veterinary services, and promote ranching systems that minimise farmer-herder conflicts.
Central to the structural reforms is an aggressive dairy transformation agenda aimed at curbing heavy reliance on foreign milk imports.
The President noted: “Our ongoing dairy transformation programme seeks to double local milk production through improved genetics, better nutrition, modern breeding systems, and stronger private sector participation.”
By expanding pasture development, processing infrastructure, and cold-chain logistics, the government aims to create millions of youth and women jobs while integrating into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Calling for heightened continental alignment against transboundary animal diseases and climate impacts, Tinubu urged African researchers and private investors to collaborate in building a sustainable livestock ecosystem.
Source: FMINO
