The Federal Government says the 2025–2035 National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) is projected to raise the livestock sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Maiha, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the Donor and Partnership Workshop on Livestock Development in Nigeria.
Maiha described the NL-GAS as a comprehensive, market-oriented, private sector-led, and public sector-enabled roadmap designed to accelerate sustainable growth in the livestock industry.
The workshop, themed “Strengthening Strategic Partnership for Livestock Transformation,” brought together development partners, donors, and government representatives to mobilise support for the implementation of the new strategy.
The minister expressed optimism that the target was realistic, citing strong political will and private sector commitment driving the Tinubu administration’s livestock transformation agenda.
“It is achievable and exciting. We are not scared; we can do it for this country,” Maiha said.
“The presence of donors and other partners here reflects your enduring commitment to Nigeria’s development and your belief in the transformative power of collaboration.”
Maiha recalled that President Bola Tinubu established the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in 2024 to reposition the sector as a key driver of inclusive growth, food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and economic transformation.
According to him, the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy by 2030, with the livestock sector contributing at least $74 billion by 2035.
“To achieve this, we developed the NL-GAS 2025–2035, which has been approved by the National Economic Council to reinforce our commitment to private sector-led transformation,” he said.
The minister explained that the strategy is anchored on 10 strategic pillars, each designed to address systemic challenges and unlock opportunities across the livestock value chain.
These pillars include:
- Livestock value chain development and market access
- Animal health and zoonoses control
- Feed and fodder development
- Water resources management
- Livestock extension services
- Peace building and social cohesion
- Finance and insurance
- Statistics and information systems
- Infrastructure development and waste management
- Youth and women empowerment
Maiha described youth and women empowerment as central to the strategy, aimed at doubling the national herd, raising productivity, and positioning Nigeria as a global supplier of quality animal protein.
Speaking at the event, Temitayo Omole, Programme Manager at the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Nigeria and ECOWAS, identified livestock development as a key area of EU interest, particularly in feed production, genetics, breeding, and animal health.
Omole reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agriculture and rural development initiatives.
“We are intervening in agriculture, livelihoods, and other sectors. One of our key areas is animal health, which is critical to livestock development.
We are addressing two major diseases — Newcastle disease in poultry and PPR in ruminants — through vaccine production,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr. Hussein Gadain, FAO Country Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) had continued to support the government with policies, strategies, and technical expertise in livestock disease control and eradication.
He noted that FAO had been working closely with rural communities through breeding initiatives, feed production, farmer field schools, and the promotion of best practices in livestock management.
Gadain emphasised that the livestock sector remains a critical component of Nigeria’s productive economy, employing millions of rural dwellers and contributing significantly to food and nutrition security.
“It is a major source of protein, not only from meat but also from milk, thereby helping to reduce malnutrition.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, a zoonotic disease, FAO and its partners have continued to promote the One Health approach to prevent and control animal-borne diseases,” he said.
