Nigeria's Livestock Minister Estimates Sub-Sector's ₦33tn Potential

News in brief:- Nigeria's livestock subsector is valued at ₦33 trillion, and there are opportunities for ranching, dairy, and foreign investments.- Minister Idi Maiha urges state governments to establish livestock ministries to better coordinate the sector. The Nigerian livestock subsector, valued at an estimated ₦33 trillion, holds immense potential if properly harnessed, according to the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha. He revealed the revelation before the House of Representatives Committee on Livestock Development. Maiha emphasised the need for federal and state governments to collaborate to unlock the industry's value and fully attract foreign investments.

Livestock as a multi-trillion naira opportunity

The minister claimed that the economic potential of the livestock industry stems from diverse activities, including ranching, dairy production, and fisheries. Once the sector is "unbundled" —a process of restructuring to remove inefficiencies and make operations more transparent— it could attract significant foreign investments and create numerous ranching opportunities. Unbundling in this context refers to breaking down the livestock sector into manageable components, such as meat production, dairy farming, and animal husbandry, and formalising these into structured industries. This approach helps reduce risks for investors and encourages large-scale participation in the sector.

Role of state ministries in livestock development

Maiha called on state governments to establish dedicated Ministries of Livestock Development, emphasising that collaboration between federal and state ministries is vital for effective management. Some states already have livestock ministries, while others have yet to create them. The minister noted that creating state-level livestock ministries would:

• Enhance coordination between federal and state programs.
• Support ranching and other private-sector initiatives.
• Facilitate policy implementation and attract foreign and local investments.

He assured stakeholders of strong political support from the presidency, highlighting that the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) demonstrates the government’s commitment to agriculture. Committee Chairman Wale Raji commended the ministry's creation, noting that although overdue, it promises significant progress under Maiha’s leadership.