President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria is targeting more than doubling the livestock sector’s estimated $32bn annual contribution to the national economy as part of efforts to make the country a leading hub for livestock production and processing in Africa.

Tinubu stated this on Monday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture, themed, “Repositioning Animal Agriculture for Africa’s Agricultural Food Security and Global Competitiveness.”

The President, represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the Federal Government was committed to transforming livestock production from a largely subsistence and cultural activity into a modern, technology-driven and commercially competitive industry.

He said, “Our national strategy aims to more than double the sector’s economic contributions to position Nigeria as a leading hub for livestock production and processing in Africa.”

According to him, Nigeria has one of the largest livestock populations in Africa, comprising over 58 million cattle, 64 million sheep, 124 million goats and 660 million poultry species.

He said, “Our livestock sector is estimated to contribute over 32 billion US dollars annually to the national economy and remains a major pillar of agricultural production, food security, and rural development.”

Tinubu said his administration had placed agriculture and food security at the centre of its Renewed Hope Agenda, leading to the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024.

He described the creation of the ministry as a “historic decision,” saying it demonstrated the administration’s commitment to transforming the livestock industry.

“This landmark policy initiative demonstrates our commitment to transforming livestock production from a largely subsistence and cultural activity into a modern, technology-driven, commercially competitive, and globally integrated venture,” he said.

The President said his administration had also approved institutional reforms based on the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms.

He said the reforms were aimed at strengthening governance, improving productivity, promoting peaceful and sustainable livestock production systems and creating an enabling environment for private sector investment across the livestock value chain.

Tinubu said the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy was being implemented to unlock the sector’s potential.

He said the strategy would focus on increasing livestock productivity, strengthening value chains, improving animal health services, expanding commercial feed production, enhancing livestock genetics and promoting climate-smart production systems.

He added that the strategy would also promote peacebuilding and position Nigeria as a regional hub for livestock investment and exports.

The President said the federal government was promoting ranching and modern livestock production systems to increase productivity while reducing conflicts associated with traditional production systems.

He said the government was also strengthening animal breeding, genetics, veterinary services, feed production, disease surveillance and animal health systems while attracting investments into dairy, meat processing, leather, feed milling and livestock infrastructure.

On employment, Tinubu said the livestock industry offered significant opportunities for Nigeria’s growing youth population through its various value chains.

He said, “Beyond contributing to economic growth, the livestock sector is one of the largest sources of employment opportunities through its divergent value chain – from animal production to feed manufacturing, veterinary services, transportation, processing, marketing, leather production, dairy enterprises, and export activities.

“Millions of jobs can be created for our growing youth population in Africa. The Nigerian government is committed to fully optimising the value chain.”

The President said the government was also taking steps to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products by doubling local milk production.

He said the ongoing dairy transformation programme would focus on improved genetics, better nutrition, modern breeding systems and stronger private sector participation.

“This programme is promoting improved breeds, pasture development, commercial feed production, milk collection infrastructure, private dairy investments and modern processing facilities to increase local milk production substantially, reduce dependence on imports, improve rural incomes and strengthen national food security,” he said.

Tinubu also said the government was committed to making livestock production attractive to young people by improving access to finance, innovation, digital technologies, value chain development and private-sector partnerships.

He stressed the need for greater continental cooperation, noting that challenges including animal diseases, climate change, food insecurity, trade barriers and transboundary livestock movements required coordinated solutions.

He said, “No country can achieve sustainable livestock transformation in isolation.”

According to him, Nigeria’s support for stronger regional collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area was informed by the opportunities presented by livestock and livestock products for intra-African trade, investment and industrialisation.

He urged African countries to strengthen regional standards, disease surveillance systems, research collaboration and value chain integration.

Tinubu encouraged delegates at the conference to develop practical recommendations that would advance Africa’s livestock agenda and support the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

He said, “Let us chart a resilient path for a livestock production revolution in our continent, endear the hearts of younger generations to the sector and stimulate sustainable development.”

He assured participants that Nigeria was ready to work with African countries, development partners, research institutions and the private sector to build a productive, sustainable, profitable and globally competitive livestock industry.

“Together, we can transform Africa from a continent with enormous livestock potential into a global leader in livestock production,” Tinubu said.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Chinyere Akujobi said the conference provided an opportunity for African countries and stakeholders to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and explore innovative approaches to advancing animal agriculture.

The Permanent Secretary said the Federal Government’s focus on livestock development was aimed at strengthening food and nutrition security, creating opportunities for Nigerians and positioning the sector as a major driver of sustainable economic growth.

He said, “Your presence here today, Your Excellency, conveys a powerful message about the importance which the Federal Government attaches to livestock development and to the transformation of animal agriculture in Nigeria and across Africa.

“On behalf of the HonourableMinister, the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and indeed the entire livestock community, I wish to convey our sincere appreciation to Mr. President and to Your Excellency for this honour.”

The permanent secretary described the conference theme as “timely and compelling,” noting that Africa’s growing population, changing food systems, climate challenges and expanding markets made it necessary to continually examine the contribution of animal agriculture to food security and economic growth.

“This Conference provides a valuable platform for us to share experiences, exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and explore innovative approaches to advancing animal agriculture across Africa,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the participation of policymakers, researchers, livestock farmers, development partners, professional bodies and private-sector stakeholders would enrich discussions and generate ideas capable of translating into meaningful action.

“On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture Local Organizing Committee I once again warmly welcome you all to this all-important conference,” he said.