The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to modernising Nigeria’s livestock sector, targeting an economic expansion from its current $32 billion valuation to at least $74 billion by 2035.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, August 14, 2026, during a stakeholder briefing, Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated that the ministry is deploying a collaborative framework to boost food security, generate rural employment, and attract private investment.
Minister Maiha explained that since the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) in July 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the number of states with dedicated livestock ministries or agencies has expanded from three to 20.
Highlighting the intergovernmental division of roles, Maiha noted that while the Federal Government provides regulatory standards, animal health protocols, and traceability systems, state governments are expected to furnish land, local infrastructure, and security coordination.
The cornerstone of the implementation framework relies on proposed Federal-State-Private Sector Livestock Development Centres.
Designed as commercially driven platforms rather than state-run farms, these hubs will link producers and private investors across breeding, feed milling, dairy, cold-chain logistics, leather production, and bio-fertiliser value chains based on each state’s ecological advantage.
Maiha stressed: “There will be no imposition of livestock value chains on States, noting that Nigeria’s diverse ecological and socio-economic conditions require locally driven solutions.”
The strategy aligns with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), a 10-pillar roadmap approved by the National Economic Council to address feed scarcity, genetic limitations, gaps in veterinary services, and long-distance live-animal transport.
Commending the leadership, the interim President of the College of Veterinary Surgeons, Professor Akinrenmade, alongside representatives from the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, presented awards of recognition to Minister Maiha and Permanent Secretary Dr Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi for their strategic stewardship.
Source: FMLD
