President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria is targeting more than doubling the livestock sector’s contribution to the national economy from its current annual value of over $32 billion.
Tinubu stated this on Monday in Abuja while declaring open the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture. He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
“Our national strategy aims to more than double the sector’s economic contributions to position Nigeria as a leading hub for livestock production and processing in Africa,” Tinubu said.
He said Nigeria currently has over 58 million cattle, 64 million sheep, 124 million goats and 660 million poultry, noting that the sector remains a major source of food, jobs and economic opportunities.
The President said the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, established in July 2024, was part of efforts to transform livestock production into a modern, technology-driven and commercially competitive industry.
He said the government was implementing measures to boost livestock productivity, improve animal health, expand feed production, strengthen value chains and promote ranching and climate-smart production.
Tinubu also said the ongoing dairy transformation programme was aimed at doubling local milk production and reducing dependence on imported dairy products.
“Our ongoing dairy transformation programme seeks to double local milk production through improved genetics, better nutrition, modern breeding systems, and stronger private sector participation,” he said.
He added that the livestock value chain could create millions of jobs, particularly for youths and women, while urging stronger African cooperation in tackling animal diseases, climate change, food insecurity and trade barriers.
