The Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, Hon. Wale Raji, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s inability to meet domestic demand for livestock, which has resulted in significant expenditure on imports.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Committee in Abuja on Wednesday, Hon. Raji emphasized the urgent need to address the challenges facing the livestock sector and outlined the Committee’s commitment to repositioning the industry for sustainable growth.
“The creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by Mr. President marks a historic step toward implementing the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Development,” Hon. Raji stated.
He lamented that, despite its immense potential and contributions to the economy, the livestock sector has been neglected by successive administrations.
Hon. Raji revealed that Nigeria’s annual livestock production includes 563 million chickens, 58 million cattle, 124 million goats, 60 million sheep, and 16 million pigs.
However, the country remains unable to meet domestic consumption needs, forcing reliance on costly imports.
He stressed that, as the leading livestock producer in West Africa, Nigeria stands at the threshold of transformative opportunities in food security, economic diversification, and wealth creation.
The Committee’s oversight responsibilities encompass various technical departments such as dairy, beef, poultry, swine, animal feed, genetic resources, and pastoral resources development. It also oversees key parastatals and agencies, including the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Nigeria Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), and colleges focused on animal health and husbandry technology.
However, it supervises critical research institutions like the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Poultry Production Research Institute, and the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI).
Hon. Raji called on stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the sector’s challenges and optimizing its potential.
He reiterated that the livestock sector holds immense promise for Nigeria’s future and urged all members of the Committee to execute their mandate with diligence, transparency, and a commitment to excellence.
Furthermore, the Committee’s work is set to focus on driving reforms that will ensure Nigeria achieves self-sufficiency in livestock production, reduce dependence on imports, and enhance economic sustainability.