Nigeria’s Untapped Livestock Sector Holds Trillion-Naira Potential

Nigeria’s livestock sector stands as one of the nation’s most underleveraged economic assets despite its enormous potential. It remains a largely untapped pillar of agriculture, contributing a third of agricultural GDP and supplying over 30 per cent of national protein needs. The sector, beyond nutrition, supports livelihoods, generates employment, ensures food security and offers lucrative export opportunities.

According to experts, Nigeria’s livestock industry could unlock its estimated N33 trillion potential if strategic investment and policy support could be employed.

Statistics showed that domestic production lags far behind demand. For instance, annual milk output is just 0.7 billion litres—less than half the national requirement of 1.45 billion litres—forcing $1.5 billion in annual imports.

However, there appears to be a ray of hope with the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development and the Presidential Livestock Reforms Committee, which many believe signals a strategic shift in policy.

Speaking at the weekend, the National Coordinator of the Public Enlightenment Movement, Nuhu Abdullahi, said the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Tinubu will play a significant role in transforming the Northern economy.

Abdullahi stated this during the launch of the second phase of its nationwide sensitisation programme on Saturday in Kano. He explained that the programme was designed to update citizens on new infrastructure and development efforts being executed under Tinubu’s administration.

The coordinator stated that the first phase of the project had showcased significant progress in the North, particularly in transport, energy, and social intervention programmes.

He said the establishment of the ministry was a strategic step toward modernising livestock production, strengthening the livestock value chain, and reducing recurrent farmer-herder conflicts in the region.

According to him, improved livestock management systems will enhance productivity, support agribusiness growth, and expand income opportunities for rural families across the North. “The decision of Tinubu to create the Ministry of Livestock Development is a landmark intervention that will reshape economic activities, especially in Northern communities that depend heavily on livestock,” he said.

Abdullahi further stated that the first phase of the project had showcased significant progress in the North, particularly in transport, energy, and social intervention programmes. He said the second phase would focus on the recently approved national infrastructure projects, including the 2,136 km Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, which cuts across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos States.

According to him, the road, when completed, would boost trade, ease travel, and deepen economic ties between Northern and Southern Nigeria. He also extolled the ongoing dualisation of the Sokoto–Zamfara–Zaria Road, covering 926 km, and the Benue 9th Mile–Enugu Expressway, spanning 500 km. “These projects reflect the administration’s commitment to improving connectivity, strengthening national unity, and expanding economic opportunities for millions of citizens,” he said.

Abdullahi stated that the Federal Government’s continued investments in agriculture, infrastructure, and community empowerment have helped revive livelihoods in rural communities. He described the equitable distribution of federal resources to Northern states as a demonstration of the president’s commitment to balanced national development.

On security, Abdullahi urged citizens to complement the government’s efforts by providing timely and credible information to security operatives. “Peace and stability require collective vigilance. Citizens must work with security agencies to strengthen the fight against insecurity in the region,” Abdullahi said. He called for continued support for the president’s programmes, stating that the second phase of the initiative reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to the growth of Northern Nigeria.