FG unveils state-specific livestock centres to drive $74bn sector growth

Nigeria's Federal Government is launching state-specific Livestock Development Centres to significantly transform the nation's livestock sector. The initiative aims to elevate the sector's economic contribution from its current $32 billion to at least $74 billion by 2035. This ambitious plan is being implemented through a collaborative effort involving federal, state, and private sector entities.

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This is about operationalising the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), which was approved by the National Economic Council.

Participating states will have the autonomy to choose specific livestock species or value chains that align with their unique agro-ecological conditions, available resources, market demands, and social acceptance. This tailored approach ensures that development efforts are localized and sustainable. The initiative is designed to operationalize the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), a 10-pillar roadmap approved by the National Economic Council to remove systemic obstacles and attract substantial private investment.

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The NL-GAS has a 10-pillar roadmap to remove systemic bottlenecks and attract large-scale private investment, with an ambition to increase livestock-sector GDP contribution from US`$32 billion to at least US$74 billion by 2035.

Under the proposed partnership, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development will oversee national policy, technical standards, food safety, animal health protocols, traceability, data systems, and regulatory coordination. Conversely, state governments will be crucial in providing suitable land, local infrastructure, community engagement, security, and mobilizing producers. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, emphasized that success hinges on the partnership between federal and state governments, with each playing distinct yet complementary roles.

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Livestock Development Centre model is therefore an implementation instrument for a nationally endorsed strategy.

Maiha stated, "Nigeria’s livestock transformation will succeed only if the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and State Governments act as partners with distinct but complementary responsibilities." He further elaborated that states are indispensable for implementing investment at the farm level, managing land, infrastructure, community relations, and local economic planning. Producers, cooperatives, and private investors will be responsible for financing and operating the commercial aspects of the livestock value chains.

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Nigeria’s livestock transformation will succeed only if the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and State Governments act as partners with distinct but complementary responsibilities.