Federal Govt Flags Off National Council On Livestock Development

The Federal Government has taken a decisive step to revamp its livestock sector with the inauguration of the National Council on Livestock Development (NCLD), which aims to transform the industry into a commercially viable, conflict-resilient, and technologically driven enterprise.

The maiden meeting was held yesterday, 24 November 2025, in Yola, Adamawa State.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who opened the proceedings, welcomed participants to Yola and acknowledged the Adamawa State government for hosting the event.

He highlighted the state’s pioneering role in livestock development, noting that Adamawa established a Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture over 20 years ago and hosts a large proportion of FG’s livestock.
Maiha described the council as a testament to the government’s resolve to forge a new, prosperous, and peaceful future for the livestock sector.

He outlined the Ministry’s achievements in its first year, guided by the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) and the National Livestock Master Plan.

He emphasised the goal of growing the livestock industry from a $32 billion to $74 billion enterprise within five years and detailed active engagements with multinational companies, indigenous investors, and development partners across sectors including dairy, beef, poultry, piggery, fodder production, and animal breeding.

He also spoke about registration of eight new pasture species and development of the National Strategy and Action Plan on Animal Genetic Resources.

The Minister urged a unified approach across all states, stressing that challenges such as low productivity and farmer-herder conflicts transcend state boundaries.

He called for coordinated implementation of NL-GAS, investment across all livestock value chains, promotion of ranching, and the establishment of breeding centres to enhance genetic transformation and productivity.

Also, the Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Reforms, Prof. Attahiru Jega, described the gathering as a historic turning point for Nigeria’s livestock economy.

“This is not a routine bureaucratic ritual; it represents the institutional genesis of what shall become FG’s paramount coordinating authority for livestock governance, policy harmonisation, and sector-wide transformation,” he said.

Prof. Jega outlined four pillars of the reform initiative: stabilising the sector through conflict resolution and transitioning to ranching; unlocking private investment via de-risking and modern infrastructure; building a digital backbone through a National Livestock Census and a GIS-enabled traceability system; and driving productivity with science-led genetic improvement and inclusive value chains.

He stressed the importance of political and legislative support, urging states and federal institutions to adopt a “Delivery Compact” to ensure transparency, accountability, and measurable results.

In a goodwill message, Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, Hon Tasir Olawale Raji commended FG for the initiative.

He revealed that FG produces 563 million chickens, 58 million cattle, 124 million goats, 60 million sheep, and 16 million pigs annually, yet domestic production still falls short of consumption needs.

He stressed the urgent need to reduce import dependence, noting that FG currently imports about 65% of its milk requirements, with per capita consumption far below global averages.

Raji reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting legislative frameworks, institutional capacity building, and private sector participation to accelerate the “Renewed Hope” agenda in the livestock sector.

“Together, we can reposition livestock production from a subsistence activity to a thriving commercial enterprise capable of creating jobs, reducing conflict, boosting food security, and contributing significantly to FG’s GDP,” he said.

Delivering the welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Chinyere Akujobi, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to coordinating the reform agenda and fostering collaboration with states, private investors, and development partners.

She emphasised that the council would serve as a platform for policy harmonisation, innovation adoption, and market expansion across the country.

The meeting was attended by top government officials, including the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri; Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta; Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Livestock Development; and traditional leaders from across the federation.

The NCLD is expected to oversee the implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Bill, establish Special Livestock Economic Zones, and guide FG toward achieving self-sufficiency and a competitive edge in livestock production.