The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Akajiugo Emeka Obegolu, has projected that Nigeria’s emerging livestock development framework could generate nearly 350,000 jobs within its first two years of implementation.
Speaking during an interview, Obegolu said the proposed roadmap is designed to unlock investment across the livestock value chain, with plans underway to establish a Livestock Development Fund that will ease access to financing for farmers, processors, and other industry players.
He commended the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating a dedicated Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, describing the move as a strategic step toward giving the sector focused attention and accelerating its growth.
According to him, the government’s primary role should be to provide an enabling environment through policies and regulatory frameworks that attract private sector participation, rather than directly driving the sector’s expansion.
Obegolu noted that the livestock industry represents an estimated N33 trillion economic opportunity, spanning multiple value chains including meat production, dairy, leather, and poultry products.
He stressed that structured investments in areas such as feedlots, genetics, artificial insemination, and veterinary services would significantly improve productivity.
He further highlighted the need to modernise meat processing and distribution systems, advocating a shift from traditional cattle movement across long distances to a more efficient cold-chain-driven model.
Obegolu explained that transporting processed meat through cold chain systems, instead of moving live animals from northern to southern Nigeria, would reduce losses, improve quality, and enhance overall efficiency within the sector.
He added that ongoing engagements between the private sector and government are already positioning the industry for transformation, with investors showing readiness to partner in building a sustainable and commercially viable livestock ecosystem.
The proposed reforms, he said, are expected to not only boost food production but also strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural economy through job creation, improved nutrition, and expanded industrial opportunities.
