FG Pushes for Livestock Priority in New Agrifood Strategy

The Federal Government has called for the livestock sector to take a central role in implementing Nigeria's Draft Agrifood System Strategy and Action Plan for 2026 to 2035. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made the call during a high-level briefing on the strategy in Abuja. He said livestock should be recognised as a strategic sector that can boost economic growth, improve food and nutrition security, create jobs and support rural development.

Maiha said more investment is needed in animal health, livestock breeding through artificial insemination and embryo transfer, and sustainable rangeland management to improve productivity. He also urged increased funding for meat and dairy processing, poultry development, livestock markets, cold-chain facilities, transportation and other value chain activities to attract private investment and raise farmers' incomes.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the ministry to develop a long-term strategy that aligns with the African Union's Kampala Declaration. He said the document was prepared through consultations across the six geopolitical zones and will be submitted to the Federal Executive Council for approval after stakeholders' endorsement.

Kyari said the strategy aims to increase agricultural productivity, expand intra-African agricultural trade, reduce post-harvest losses, improve access to nutritious food, reduce poverty and attract more investment into the agrifood sector. He added that government ministries, departments and agencies would align their programmes and budgets with the plan once it is approved.

Also at the meeting, ActionAid Nigeria said the combined 2026 agriculture budget of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory stands at 4.58 per cent, below the African Union's 10 per cent target. The organisation, however, said full implementation of the approved agricultural budgets could create about 3.5 million direct jobs across the country.