Tinubu Aims to Double Nigeria's Livestock Sector to $64 Billion

President Bola Tinubu announced a national strategy to more than double the annual economic contribution of Nigeria's livestock sector, raising it from $32 billion to over $64 billion. Speaking through Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume at the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture in Abuja, Tinubu outlined a transition from subsistence practices to a modern, technology-driven commercial hub for production and processing.

Central to this transformation is the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which focuses on improving animal health, expanding commercial feed production, and enhancing genetics. The administration is prioritizing ranching and modern production systems to increase productivity and reduce conflicts between farmers and herders. Additionally, the government aims to double local milk production to reduce import dependence and seek private investment in dairy, meat processing, and leather value chains.

Tinubu highlighted the July 2024 establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a key step in implementing this comprehensive transformation program. He stated that the sector could create millions of jobs for the youth and called for continental cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area to address climate change and transboundary animal diseases.