The Minister of Livestock Development, Mr. Idi Maiha, has called for stronger support and investment to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Maiha spoke on Tuesday at the National Stakeholders Roundtable on Transforming the Livestock Sector in Abuja, themed: “Improving Production, Enhancing Collaboration, and Mobilising Investment to Strengthen Sector Growth Nationwide.”
He said careful decisions and collective commitment were essential to transforming the sector, adding that government and development partners must collaborate to achieve sustainable growth and lasting development.
The minister noted that the livestock sector sustains millions of livelihoods and employs at least 30 per cent of the rural population, contributing roughly 17 per cent to Nigeria’s agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Maiha welcomed representatives of the international community, partners from several countries, and development organisations, appreciating their support toward initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s livestock development efforts.
He also acknowledged private sector leaders, investors, ranchers, and the media for their critical role in attracting investment, promoting innovation, and fostering collaboration necessary for sustainable livestock growth.
Emeka Obegolu, President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed that stronger government support, increased private sector participation, and improved infrastructure were key to modernising livestock production.
Obegolu noted that Nigeria’s livestock industry plays a vital role in food security, employment generation, and rural development but still faces challenges including low productivity, weak veterinary services, and poor feed systems.
He urged federal and state governments, development partners, and the private sector to collaborate in improving animal health systems, expanding livestock value chains, and promoting sustainable management.
According to Obegolu, the Federal Government has taken steps to reposition the industry, including establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development to drive reforms and strengthen productivity across livestock value chains.
He said transforming the sector would reduce food imports, boost exports such as red meat and dairy products, and create millions of jobs in farming, processing, logistics, and marketing.
Obegolu highlighted the need for policies supporting ranching, improving breeds, modernising feed systems, and providing access to financing for livestock farmers, emphasizing that such measures would ensure long-term growth, stability, and productivity.
He described the roundtable as the first private sector-led national engagement dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s livestock sector through dialogue, investment promotion, and strategic collaboration.
Obegolu added that a modern livestock sector could enhance food and nutrition security, generate employment opportunities, attract domestic and foreign investment, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s aspiration of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.
Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, noted that the livestock sector requires greater expansion and strategic investment to boost productivity, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen food security.
Jani Ibrahim, National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, called the meeting timely and strategic for repositioning Nigeria’s livestock industry. He urged investors and policymakers to support reforms that modernise the sector into a high-value industry capable of boosting food security, employment, and economic diversification.
The Director-General of ACCI, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, said stronger private sector participation and effective public-private collaboration are crucial for unlocking investment opportunities, strengthening value chains, and transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector.
