Nigeria Eyes N3.2bn Red Meat Export Earnings as Livestock Ministry Defends 2026 Budget

The Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Maiha, says Nigeria has the potential to generate over N3.2 billion annually from red meat exports. He made this known during the ministry’s 2026 budget defence before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Livestock Development. The minister said the country’s livestock sector has strong export potential if properly developed.

Source:fmld

Maiha said about 65 percent of livestock consumed in Nigeria is imported. He said the high level of import dependence shows the need for stronger investment in the local livestock value chain. According to him, improving domestic production will help Nigeria reduce imports and increase exports.

The minister said Nigeria has the capacity to compete in the global red meat market like Brazil and Argentina. He said achieving the N3.2 billion export target will require a shift from subsistence livestock production to a commercial and technology-driven system.

Maiha said the ministry has faced funding challenges since it was created in 2024. He said only N20 billion has been released from the N70 billion take-off fund approved in 2024. He also said none of the N10 billion capital allocation for 2025 has been released.

Members of the Joint Committee expressed concern over the funding gaps and described the situation as inadequate support for the sector. The committee called for urgent intervention to enable the ministry carry out its mandate on livestock development and revenue growth.