ACCI Says Livestock Plan Could Create 350,000 Jobs

The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Akajiugo Emeka Obegolu, says a new livestock development plan could generate about 350,000 jobs within its first two years.

Speaking in an interview on Trust TV, Obegolu said the plan will lead to the creation of a Livestock Development Fund to support farmers and stakeholders across the value chain.

He commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing a separate Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a step to improve focus on the sector.

Obegolu said the government’s role should be to provide policies and an enabling environment for private sector investment, rather than directly driving the sector.

He added that the private sector is ready to partner with the government to grow the livestock industry.

According to him, the sector has an estimated value of N33 trillion and includes activities such as grazing management, feedlots, genetics, artificial insemination, and veterinary services.

He also said there are plans to invest in meat processing and cold chain systems to reduce long-distance movement of cattle and improve productivity.

Obegolu noted that the livestock value chain covers areas such as meat, milk, eggs, and leather production.