Pig Farmers Sound Alarm Over Lack of Government Support

Pig farmers across Nigeria are raising their voices as frustration grows over what they describe as years of neglect from government, despite the sector’s huge economic potential. Speaking in Abuja, the president of the Pig Farmers Association of Nigeria, Prof. Akin Adesehinwa, said pig producers continue to be left behind while attention and resources flow toward cattle and poultry, even though pig farming remains one of the most productive livestock industries in the country.

According to him, pig production is too often judged only by pork consumption, a narrow view that ignores the industry’s wide economic footprint. From cosmetics and shoe leather to brushes, bags and belts, pigs feed into multiple industries, while their waste supports crop farming and biogas generation. Adesehinwa stressed that Nigeria is already Africa’s largest pig producer, and with proper backing, the sector could contribute far more to GDP and export earnings than it does today.

He noted that pig farmers rely on the same key inputs as other livestock producers, such as maize and soybean, yet receive little of the support given to herders and poultry farmers. While government discussions frequently centre on cattle ranching, pig farming rarely features in intervention programmes, land allocation or financing schemes, leaving thousands of producers to struggle on their own.

Beyond food, the sector is also a major employer, offering livelihoods to young people, women and even graduates who have built successful businesses through pig farming. Some are already exporting products, earning foreign exchange and supporting their families through a value chain that stretches far beyond the farm gate. For farmers, the message is simple: meaningful government support could unlock a powerful engine of growth that is still running far below its true capacity.