Nigeria Pushes Feed and Fodder Investments to Power $74bn Livestock Ambition

Nigeria is intensifying efforts to attract large-scale investments into feed and fodder production as top government officials, private investors, development partners and industry leaders gathered in Abuja for the Nigeria Feed and Fodder Partners’ Breakfast Roundtable. The high-level meeting signaled a renewed national push to strengthen the foundation of a livestock industry projected to reach $74 billion.

Momentum at the roundtable was unmistakable, with stakeholders emphasizing that feed remains the single most important driver of productivity and competitiveness across all livestock value chains. President of the Nigeria Feed and Fodder Multi-Stakeholder Platform, Prof. Maikano Mohammed Ari, described the moment as a turning point, stressing that meaningful transformation cannot occur without a strong and resilient feed system.

Support also came from regional partners, as AU-IBAR’s David Maina commended Nigeria’s leadership and described the gathering as a bold statement of the country’s readiness to elevate feed systems into a strategic economic pillar. He acknowledged longstanding challenges such as climate shocks and weak financing but argued that Nigeria’s potential far outweighs the obstacles.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development echoed this confidence, noting that feed remains central to the government’s plans for a globally competitive livestock sector. Akeem Ibinade, who represented the Permanent Secretary, said ongoing reforms aim to close feed gaps, modernise production systems and improve the overall competitiveness of livestock enterprises nationwide.

Development partners also signalled strong support. Representatives from Sahel Consulting and the L-PRES Project expressed confidence that Nigeria’s feed and fodder agenda will unlock new investments, strengthen commercial partnerships and expand modern pasture management practices that boost productivity.

As the session closed, stakeholders agreed that the discussions must translate into concrete financing commitments ahead of the upcoming Nigeria Feed and Fodder Deal Room. With vast land resources, rising demand and a rapidly expanding livestock market, experts say Nigeria has everything it needs to become West Africa’s feed powerhouse—provided coordination and investment alignment continue to accelerate.