FG Projects Massive Growth as Nigeria’s Livestock Sector Hits $32bn Contribution to GDP

Nigeria’s livestock industry has been spotlighted as a major economic force, contributing over $32 billion to the nation’s GDP, according to the Federal Government. The revelation came as officials reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transforming the sector into a stronger pillar for food security, job creation, and rural prosperity.

Source: businessday

Speaking at a regional policy dialogue in Abuja, Mr. Peter Alike of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development said the government is pushing forward with an ambitious long-term plan to reposition the industry. The strategy aims to grow livestock’s GDP value to between $74 billion and $94 billion within the next decade, a target he described as both achievable and essential for national stability.

He stressed that the creation of a dedicated livestock ministry is a clear signal of President Bola Tinubu’s determination to restructure the sector. According to him, Nigeria’s vast livestock population—particularly the more than 50 million cattle held by rural communities—makes feed production and animal nutrition a national priority that directly affects human livelihoods.

Alike warned that progress will depend on strong cooperation among Nigeria, ECOWAS, and other regional partners, insisting that collaboration is the single most important ingredient for success. He also urged stakeholders to ensure that the PRISMA policy dialogue produces actionable outcomes rather than becoming another routine workshop.

ECOWAS officials echoed this call, noting that the livestock sector remains central to food security and income generation across West Africa. The Acting Executive Director of ARAA, Mr. Konlani Kanfitin, highlighted the PRISMA project’s role in promoting climate-resilient innovations and praised development partners for supporting research efforts in the region.

Researchers at the workshop also raised concerns about aflatoxins in livestock feed, describing them as dangerous contaminants that require harmonized regional standards for detection and control. The policy dialogue concluded with a renewed commitment from national, regional, and international partners to strengthen agro-pastoral systems and boost the resilience of livestock production across West Africa.