FG Targets Youth Participation in Livestock Industry

News in Brief:

—The government will engage 37,000 young Nigerians through a livestock empowerment programme to support jobs and food security.

—Youth-focused initiatives will cover animal production, feed development, processing and other livestock businesses.

The Federal Government has announced plans to involve Nigerian youths in the transformation of the livestock sector through new initiatives aimed at creating jobs, improving food production and strengthening the country’s agricultural economy.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Government Plans Livestock Rebranding Initiative

Maiha stated that the government’s livestock transformation strategy would focus on modernising key areas of the industry, including animal husbandry, genetic improvement, milk production, feed development, cold storage, meat processing and other value-added activities.

He explained that repositioning livestock as a modern business opportunity would help attract more young people into the sector while improving productivity and competitiveness.

According to the minister, youths are central to the future growth of Nigeria’s livestock industry and will be involved in designing and implementing relevant programmes.

37,000 Youths Targeted for Empowerment Programme

Maiha revealed that the government is developing a Women and Youth Livestock Empowerment Initiative that will support 1,000 youths from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The programme will provide opportunities for 37,000 beneficiaries to participate in different areas of livestock production and business development.

The minister encouraged young Nigerians to develop sustainable business plans that can attract support and contribute to the sector's growth.

NANS Proposes Student-Focused Agriculture Programmes

The student association's delegation, led by National Financial Secretary Comrade Alao John, said the visit aimed to explore partnerships aligned with the government’s agricultural development agenda.

The association presented proposals to train students in poultry farming, fish farming, goat and sheep production, dairy farming and animal feed production.

It also called for stronger collaboration between the ministry and tertiary institutions to establish practical training centres, agricultural hubs and internship opportunities.

Youth Training Seen as Solution to Unemployment

NANS highlighted the need for youth-focused programmes such as graduate livestock empowerment schemes, start-up support, agricultural loans and research grants for students in agriculture-related disciplines.

The association said strengthening practical agricultural skills among young Nigerians would encourage entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment.

It also proposed a National Students Livestock and Food Security Summit to promote discussions around youth participation and innovation in the sector.

The Federal Government said expanding youth participation in livestock will contribute to increased food supply, economic growth and improved livelihoods.

Stakeholders at the meeting, including students, agricultural institutions and ministry officials, expressed support for stronger partnerships to position livestock as a major contributor to Nigeria’s development.