FG projects $74bn GDP boost from livestock sector

The Federal Government has announced that the 2025–2035 National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) will boost the livestock sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP from $32 billion to $74 billion within a decade.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Maiha, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during the Donor and Partnership Workshop on Livestock Development in Nigeria, themed “Strengthening Strategic Partnership for Livestock Transformation.”

Maiha described the NL-GAS as a comprehensive, market-driven, and private sector-led roadmap aimed at accelerating growth and sustainability in the livestock industry.

“It is achievable and exciting. We are not scared; we can do it for this country,” he said, noting that the strong political will and private sector commitment underpin the government’s livestock transformation agenda.

He 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 security, climate resilience, and economic transformation.

According to the minister, the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s target of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030, with livestock projected to contribute $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 added.

The strategy is anchored on 10 strategic pillars addressing critical challenges across the value chain, including livestock value chain and market access, animal health and disease control, feed and fodder development, water management, extension services, peacebuilding, finance and insurance, data systems, infrastructure, waste management, and youth and women empowerment.

Maiha emphasised that empowering women and youth is central to doubling the national herd, improving productivity, and positioning Nigeria as a global hub for quality animal protein.

Speaking at the event, Temitayo Omole, Programme Manager at the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said livestock remains a key area of focus for the EU, especially in feed production, genetics, and animal health.

She noted that the EU continues to partner with Nigerian institutions to strengthen agriculture and rural livelihoods, particularly through interventions in vaccine production for Newcastle disease in poultry and PPR in ruminants.

Also, Dr. Hussein Gadain, Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Nigeria and ECOWAS, reaffirmed FAO’s support for government efforts through policy guidance, technical assistance, and livestock disease control programmes.

Gadain said FAO had been working closely with rural communities to enhance breeding, feed quality, and best practices in livestock production, highlighting the sector’s vital role in employment, nutrition, and food security.

“The livestock sector provides protein through meat and milk, helping to combat malnutrition. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, FAO and partners have continued to promote the One Health approach to control animal-borne diseases,” he stated.