“Nigeria Aims to Boost Livestock Sector’s GDP Impact to $74 Billion”

The Federal Government has announced an ambitious strategy to grow Nigeria’s livestock industry, aiming to increase its annual contribution to the national economy from about $32 billion to more than $74 billion over the next decade.

Speaking at a livestock stakeholders’ meeting in Ilorin, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the government sees the sector as a key driver of food security, job creation, and broader economic growth.

To achieve this target, the ministry has rolled out the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which has received approval from the National Economic Council and includes a special committee to promote ranching as a modern alternative to open grazing.

Maiha emphasized that traditional itinerant herding is no longer sustainable, and that ranching can improve animal welfare, productivity, and profitability.

The government says the livestock sector has strong potential in areas such as beef and dairy production, poultry, and micro‑ruminants, and could become a significant economic asset if fully harnessed.

Officials also highlighted challenges that have hampered growth in the past and stressed the importance of coordinated efforts between government, farmers, and private stakeholders to unlock new opportunities in the value chain.