The Federal Government and private sector stakeholders have reinforced efforts to scale Nigeria’s livestock industry, following a $50 billion investment initiative aimed at accelerating growth and unlocking the sector’s full economic potential.
The Ministry’s Principal Information and Public Relations Officer disclosed this in a statement made available to Agronigeria.
Speaking, at the National Stakeholders Roundtable on Transforming the Livestock Sector held in Abuja on Tuesday, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning the sector as a $74 billion contributor to the economy.
The Minister described the investment drive by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) as a strategic intervention that aligns with the Federal Government’s National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS).
He commended NACCIMA President, Jani Ibrahim, for championing a private sector-led approach to revitalising the industry, stressing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustained investment in achieving long-term growth.
“The government alone cannot drive this transformation; the future of Nigeria’s livestock sector depends on bold, private sector-led investment across the value chain.
“We see the private sector not just as participants, but as the primary drivers of this economic revolution, with vast opportunities spanning agro-processing, animal health, and digital innovation,” he stated.
Maiha noted that Nigeria’s livestock sector currently contributes about $32 billion to the economy and supports millions of livelihoods, but still has significant room for expansion.
He said that targeted interventions in feed development, pasture expansion, animal health systems, and genetic improvement would be critical to boosting productivity.
The Minister also identified red meat, dairy, and leather as priority value chains with strong potential for import substitution, export growth, and job creation.
He encouraged investors to explore opportunities across the livestock ecosystem, including ranching, processing, cold chain logistics, and veterinary services.
“We are committed to de-risking investments by strengthening regulations, harmonising data systems, and creating an enabling environment that guarantees strong returns,” he added.
In his remarks, NACCIMA President, Jani Ibrahim, described the $50 billion initiative as a 10-year strategic plan focused on modern ranching systems, infrastructure development, and digital innovation, reiterating the critical role of the private sector in driving economic growth.
Also speaking, President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Emeka Obegolu, described the roundtable as a landmark engagement and the first private sector-led national dialogue focused on livestock transformation in Nigeria.
