FG launches national livestock council, targets $74bn industry growth

The Federal Government on Monday inaugurated the National Council on Livestock Development (NCLD) in Yola, a new policy body expected to drive major reforms and attract fresh investment into Nigeria’s livestock sector.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the administration aims to grow the industry from $32bn to $74bn within five years under the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy.

He confirmed ongoing talks with multinational and local companies—including Arla, Nestlé, Danone, Promasidor and FrieslandCampina WAMCO—interested in dairy, beef, fodder, breeding, poultry, piggery and livestock traceability.

Maiha highlighted recent achievements such as the registration of eight new pasture species, expansion of NVRI vaccine production capacity from 120m to 850m doses, and the commissioning of the Wase Livestock Village as a model for modern ranching.

He said modernising grazing reserves is essential to reducing farmer–herder conflicts, noting that nearly half of Nigeria’s states now have dedicated livestock ministries or agencies.

Lawmakers Musa Mustapha and Tasir Raji pledged legislative support to strengthen value chains and promote ranching.

Raji warned that despite Nigeria’s large livestock population, the country still imports 65% of its milk and billions worth of animal products.

Permanent Secretary and NCLD chair, Chinyere Akujobi, said the council will harmonise federal and state actions, mobilise private capital and align with the Renewed Hope Agenda on food security and economic diversification.

Officials say the reforms will cut the $1.5bn dairy import bill, create jobs, boost rural incomes and enhance competitiveness.

Maiha urged stakeholders to commit to a unified national plan, describing the council’s decisions as foundational for future growth.