Nigeria’s Large Cattle Population Yet to Deliver Full Beef Industry Growth

Nigeria continues to rank among the world’s major cattle-producing countries, with an estimated 20.9 million cattle, but experts say the country is still not benefiting fully from the growing global beef market due to its dependence on open grazing.

The global beef industry was valued at over 526 billion dollars in 2023 and is expected to rise to more than 712 billion dollars by 2030, according to market research firm Grand View Research. The Food and Agriculture Organization says the world has about 1.5 billion cattle, with Nigeria ranking sixth in Africa and 16th globally.

Despite its large herd, Nigeria’s livestock sector faces low productivity, as most cattle are raised through nomadic pastoralism and open grazing. The system, largely practiced by Fulani herders, involves moving cattle over long distances in search of pasture and water.

Experts say this method has contributed to frequent clashes between herders and farmers, especially in the Middle Belt and parts of northern Nigeria. The movement of cattle into farms, roads and urban areas has also caused crop destruction, road accidents and disruption to communities.

Agricultural specialists are calling for a shift to ranching and other controlled livestock systems. They say structured cattle farming would improve meat and milk production, reduce land conflicts and create more opportunities in dairy, leather and feed processing.

Professor Adesina Aderibigbe of Obafemi Awolowo University says intensive cattle management, with proper feeding, water supply and veterinary care, offers a more efficient way to grow the industry.

While supporters of pastoralism argue that livestock migration remains part of cultural heritage in many parts of the world, analysts say Nigeria needs a more structured system to modernise cattle production and reduce conflict.