The Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, Hon. Tasil Olawale Raji, has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to driving sweeping reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector into a major contributor to food security, economic growth, and national stability.
Raji made the pledge during the maiden meeting of the National Council on Livestock Development, themed “Livestock Sector Rebirth: Accelerating Renewed Hope,” where stakeholders gathered to chart a new direction for the industry.
He noted that despite Nigeria being the leading livestock producer in West Africa, with an estimated annual production of 58 million cattle, 124 million goats, 60 million sheep, 563 million chickens, and 16 million pigs, the country still struggles to meet domestic demand. This deficit has sustained heavy reliance on imports, including about 65 per cent of the milk consumed nationwide, amounting to billions of naira in foreign exchange.
According to him, Nigeria’s production of key animal-source foods, 0.7 billion litres of milk, 1.48 million tonnes of meat, and 0.69 million metric tonnes of eggs—remains far below national nutritional needs. Per capita consumption levels stand at 8.7 litres of milk, 9 kg of meat, and 45 eggs annually, compared with global averages of 44 litres, 19 kg, and up to 180 eggs.
Raji said the meeting provides an opportunity for stakeholders to develop practical strategies that will move the sector toward self-sufficiency, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to reduce import dependence.
He stated that the Legislature is already working on legislative instruments to strengthen institutional capacity, promote private-sector participation, improve animal health and welfare, and enhance value addition and market access for livestock producers.
The Committee, he added, will continue collaborating with the Executive, development partners, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to modernize production systems and build a resilient livestock economy capable of creating jobs, reducing conflict, and boosting national output.
Raji expressed confidence that the Council’s deliberations will produce coordinated interventions that will accelerate the Renewed Hope Agenda in the livestock sector and mark the beginning of a new era of growth and innovation.
