Livestock Sector Holds Promise As Nigeria’s ‘Next Crude Oil’– Minister

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has described Nigeria’s vast land resources as an untapped economic asset and pledged stronger partnerships with industry players to reduce the country’s reliance on imported meat and dairy products.

Maiha spoke yesterday at the 66th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) in Abuja, where he underscored the livestock sector’s potential to become a major driver of national growth.

“We have farmlands; we are looking at practical ideas to transform this sector. The future of this country is not in our hands but in our land. Through the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, the livestock sector today will be the next crude oil,” Maiha said.

He said revitalising livestock production would boost food security, create jobs, and attract investments across the value chain.

Also addressing the conference, the minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to involving professionals in shaping the direction of ongoing economic reforms.

Similarly, a former minister of Finance, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, called for increased participation of economists in governance, stressing the importance of legislation to enforce the implementation of national development plans.