Nigeria's New Ministry of Livestock Development: A Game-Changer for Foreign Earnings and Economic Growth - LivestockTrend

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Monday, 22 July 2024

Nigeria's New Ministry of Livestock Development: A Game-Changer for Foreign Earnings and Economic Growth


The newly created Ministry of Livestock Development in Nigeria is expected to boost the country's foreign earnings, reduce poverty, and curb conflicts associated with the traditional livestock production system. According to the National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, the livestock sector is currently valued at over N33 trillion and is projected to grow to over N75 trillion in the coming years.


The new ministry is expected to create a renewed livestock production system that will save Nigeria billions of dollars in foreign exchange from the importation of powdered milk and other livestock products. This, in turn, will enable the country to earn more than ten times its current foreign exchange earnings.


Othman-Ngelzarma commended President Bola Tinubu for creating a ministry that will unlock millions of additional quality jobs and position Nigeria to earn billions of dollars in the export of leather, beef, and other livestock-related value chain products. The livestock industry is not limited to cows alone, but also includes pigs, goats, sheep, fish, donkeys, camels, and other animals.


The creation of the ministry has been met with criticism from some quarters, with some commentators equating it to the Ruga project of the previous administration. However, Othman-Ngelzarma dismissed these claims, stating that the ministry is not a Fulani project, but rather an opportunity for Nigerians from all tribes and religions to benefit from the livestock industry.


The Sokoto red skin goat leather is one of the most valuable and expensive leathers in the world, and Nigeria earns about 1.2 billion dollars annually from the export of hide and skin. The establishment of the ministry is expected to create a new system that guarantees bigger returns on investments, reduces transhumance, poverty, and conflicts associated with the traditional system.


In conclusion, the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development is a laudable initiative that has the potential to transform Nigeria's economy and create new opportunities for Nigerians. It is essential for critics to lay down their arms and look at the larger picture of what the establishment of this ministry can do for the country.

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