Nigeria Sets Bold Plan in Motion to Modernize Its Livestock Sector

Nigeria’s livestock industry is on the verge of a major transformation. According to Livestock Development Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the government is rolling out a strategic plan to turn the sector into a modern, high-yield agribusiness that delivers both economic growth and food security.

Source: dailytrust

Speaking with the authority of someone who has worked directly with livestock for decades, the minister outlined the newly developed National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, recently approved by the National Economic Council. This ambitious framework focuses on revitalizing old breeding centers, importing high-yielding cattle breeds, and leveraging advanced genetics to improve productivity. The goal is to more than double the country’s milk output and push the livestock sector’s value from $32 billion to $74 billion within five years.

A central part of the reform is a strong emphasis on feed and fodder production—providing herders with the resources to raise animals without constant migration. With more stable and intensive systems, farmers can now aim for higher productivity and better animal health. Disease prevention is also getting a major boost, with vaccine production and veterinary services being scaled up and modernized.

The plan doesn’t stop at cattle. It also targets poultry, sheep, goats, bees, camels, and other animals, ensuring a diverse and sustainable livestock economy. Rising feed prices and recurring disease outbreaks, especially in poultry, have triggered closer collaboration between government institutions, universities, and the private sector to develop local solutions and innovations.

In the eyes of the government, this isn’t just about animals—it’s about livelihoods, food security, and economic empowerment. With coordinated action and the right support, Nigeria’s livestock sector is poised to leap from survival mode into a thriving, modern enterprise.