Tinubu unveils strategy to boost livestock sector’s contribution to GDP

According to the President, the ministry was created to move livestock production from largely subsistence and traditional practices to a modern, technology-driven, commercially competitive and globally integrated industry.

He said the government had also approved institutional reforms based on the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms to strengthen governance, improve productivity, promote peaceful livestock production systems and attract private sector investment.

Tinubu said the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy was among the initiatives being implemented to unlock opportunities in the sector, adding that the strategy was designed to increase livestock productivity, strengthen value chains, improve animal health services, expand commercial feed production, enhance livestock genetics and promote climate-smart production systems.

“The strategy focuses on increasing livestock productivity, strengthening value chains, improving animal health services, expanding commercial feed production, enhancing livestock genetics, promoting climate-smart production systems, improving peacebuilding, and positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for livestock investment and exports,” he said.

Speaking on the government’s drive towards promoting ranching and modern livestock production systems, the president described the move as part of efforts to improve productivity and reduce conflicts associated with traditional livestock production.

He said investments were also being encouraged in dairy, meat processing, leather, feed milling and livestock infrastructure.

The President said his administration was taking deliberate steps to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products, noting that the country currently spends significant foreign exchange on milk imports.

“Our ongoing dairy transformation programme seeks to double local milk production through improved genetics, better nutrition, modern breeding systems, and stronger private sector participation.

“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 future of Africa’s livestock industry depends on innovation, science, technology, and regional cooperation. No country can achieve sustainable livestock transformation in isolation,” Tinubu said.

He further emphasised that  Nigeria would continue to support stronger regional collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, particularly in livestock production and trade.