Mukhtar Maiha, minister of livestock development, has said that Nigeria aims to more than double the livestock’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Production (GDP).
The minister claimed that livestock contributes $32 billion to the GDP and said the ministry plans to expand it to $74 billion by 2035.
This is also as the minister revealed the federal ministry has been allocated a total sum of N11.8 billion in the appropriation bill, broken down to N1.8 billion overhead cost and N10 billion capital expenditure respectively.
The minister stated the above while presenting the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy 2025-2030 at the 2025 Ministerial Briefing tagged, ‘The Take-Off Point’ in Abuja on Friday.
According to Maiha, “Nigeria aims to expand the livestock Sectors GDP contributions from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035, positioning itself as a key player in both domestic and international markets for animal protein, similar to leading producers like Brazil, Argentina and the United States.
He said, “Over the past few months, we have laid the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth.”
“Our goal is for Nigeria’s livestock sector to become a major contributor to GDP from 5% to 10% by 2030, creating millions of jobs and producing sufficient meat, dairy and other animal products to not only meet domestic demand but also compete in the global market,” he noted.
The minister noted that the ministry aims to boost production, improve animal health and guarantee food security through 10 strategic pillars.
“The pillars include: Livestock value chain development, animal health and Zoonoses control, feedback and fodder, water resources management and finance and insurance.”
Others, he said, include: Infrastructure development and waste management, peace-building, security and social cohesion, livestock extension services, youth and women empowerment in livestock as well as statistics and information management.”
The minister noted that the sector is valued at over N33 trillion, making it one of the most significant yet underutilized economic assets in the country.
“We have one of the largest livestock populations in Africa, a rapidly expanding market for meat and dairy products and a strategic location for agricultural exports,” he said
He, however, noted that poor infrastructure, inadequate investment, outdated production methods and persistent conflicts between farmers and herders prevent the sector from reaching its full potential.
Maiha stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to delivering real and measurable progress that translates into better opportunities for livestock producers, more jobs for Nigerians greater food security and a stronger economy.
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