FG Moves to Unlock Multi-Billion Dollar Livestock Market

The Federal Government says it is repositioning Nigeria’s livestock sector to attract private investment as it moves to remove middlemen structures blamed for price distortions in the market.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated this during the Minister–Livestock Farmers’ Connect in Abuja. He said intermediaries currently take a large share of profits while livestock producers receive lower returns and consumers face higher prices.

Maiha said the government plans to promote integrated livestock business models that allow producers to sell directly to processors, abattoirs and bulk buyers.

He added that the government will introduce a live-weight pricing system for livestock trading in line with global standards. The system is expected to standardise pricing and provide more predictable returns for investors and commercial ranch operators.

The minister said the government has identified areas of growth in the livestock sector, including pasture seed production, commercial fodder supply, dairy aggregation, leather processing and animal by-products.

According to him, these areas will provide opportunities for agribusiness companies, private investors and youth-led enterprises.

Maiha noted that the leather value chain could support up to 700,000 jobs, while the fodder market is gaining demand in export markets.

He said the government is also working to reduce investment risks through structured off-take agreements and improved access to financing through institutions such as the Bank of Agriculture, NIRSAL facilities and the Development Bank of Nigeria.

The government is also promoting a transition from open grazing to commercial ranching to improve livestock productivity and reduce conflicts.

Maiha added that a Livestock Public Digital Infrastructure platform will be introduced to serve as a marketplace and data hub for investors and industry players.

The government also plans to deploy digital livestock tagging and traceability systems to address cattle rustling and improve livestock tracking.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock Development, Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, said the reforms aim to build a more competitive and resilient livestock sector.

The Minister–Livestock Farmers’ Connect, organised with Farm Alert and the L-PRES Project, is expected to provide a platform for engagement between policymakers, farmers and investors.