Tinubu Targets More Than Doubling Livestock Sector’s Economic Contribution to Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced plans by his administration to more than double the contribution of Nigeria’s livestock sector to the national economy, as part of broader efforts to strengthen food security, create jobs and diversify the nation’s economy.
The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, disclosed this on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the opening of the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture in Abuja.
President Tinubu said Nigeria’s livestock industry currently contributes more than $32 billion annually to the national economy and remains a major source of food, employment and livelihood for millions of Nigerians.
“Our national strategy aims to more than double the sector’s economic contributions to position Nigeria as a leading hub for livestock production and processing in Africa,” the President said.
He noted that Nigeria’s livestock resources include more than 58 million cattle, 64 million sheep, 124 million goats and 660 million poultry birds, underscoring the enormous potential of the sector to drive economic growth.
Government Moves to Modernise Livestock Sector
The President said agriculture and food security remain central to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing to the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024 as a major step towards transforming the industry.
According to him, the ministry was created to move livestock production away from largely subsistence and traditional practices towards a modern, technology-driven, commercially viable and globally competitive industry.
He added that institutional reforms based on the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms were also being implemented to strengthen governance, improve productivity, promote peaceful livestock production and attract private-sector investment.
Among the key initiatives is the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which is designed to increase productivity, strengthen livestock value chains, improve animal health services, expand commercial feed production, enhance livestock genetics and promote climate-smart production.
The strategy also seeks to strengthen peacebuilding mechanisms and position Nigeria as a regional hub for livestock investment and exports.
Focus on Ranching, Dairy and Job Creation
President Tinubu said the Federal Government was promoting ranching and modern livestock production systems to improve productivity while addressing conflicts associated with traditional livestock practices.
He disclosed that investments were also being encouraged across the dairy, meat processing, leather, feed milling and livestock infrastructure value chains.
On dairy production, the President said the government was taking deliberate steps to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported milk and dairy products, noting the significant foreign exchange currently spent on such imports.
He said the ongoing dairy transformation programme aims to double local milk production through improved animal genetics, better nutrition, modern breeding systems and increased private-sector participation.
The programme will support improved breeds, pasture development, commercial feed production, milk collection infrastructure, private dairy investments and modern processing facilities.
Beyond food production, President Tinubu described the livestock value chain as a major opportunity for youth employment, saying millions of jobs could be created across production, processing, logistics, marketing and other related sectors.
He also highlighted measures to increase the participation of young people and women in livestock businesses through improved access to finance, innovation, digital technology, value-chain development and private-sector partnerships.
Nigeria Calls for Continental Cooperation
President Tinubu stressed that the transformation of Africa’s livestock industry requires stronger cooperation among countries, particularly as animal diseases, climate change, food insecurity, trade barriers and transboundary livestock movements transcend national borders.
“The future of Africa’s livestock industry depends on innovation, science, technology, and regional cooperation. No country can achieve sustainable livestock transformation in isolation,” he said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting regional cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), particularly in livestock production and trade.
The President challenged participants at the conference to develop practical recommendations covering animal health, disease control, climate-smart agriculture, livestock genetics, regional trade, youth and women empowerment, research, innovation and investment.
He assured delegates that Nigeria was prepared to collaborate with African governments, development partners, research institutions and private-sector stakeholders to build a productive, sustainable and globally competitive livestock industry.
“Together, we can transform Africa from a continent with enormous livestock potential into a global leader in livestock production,” President Tinubu said.
He subsequently declared the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture open and reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to provide leadership in the transformation of Africa’s livestock sector.
Tinubu Targets More Than Doubling Livestock Sector’s Economic Contribution to Nigeria