Nigeria’s livestock sector is targeting a $74 billion economic output, driven by a proposed $50 billion investment initiative spearheaded by the private sector, the Federal Government has said.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, disclosed this at the National Stakeholders Roundtable on Transforming the Livestock Sector held in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by the ministry on Wednesday, the minister said the $50 billion investment plan, unveiled by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), aligns with the Federal Government’s National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS).
Maiha described the initiative as “a timely and strategic move” to reposition the livestock sector, stressing that achieving the $74 billion target would depend largely on private sector participation.
“Government alone cannot drive this transformation; the future of Nigeria’s livestock sector depends on bold, private sector-led investment across the value chain,” he said.
“We see the private sector not just as participants, but as the primary drivers of this economic revolution, with vast opportunities spanning agro-processing, animal health, and digital innovation,” he added.
The minister noted that the livestock sector currently contributes about $32 billion to Nigeria’s economy and supports millions of livelihoods, but said it holds significantly higher potential with the right investments and reforms.
He explained that the ministry is focusing on key interventions, including feed development, pasture expansion, animal health systems, and genetic improvement, to boost productivity and overall output.
Maiha also identified red meat, dairy, and leather as priority value chains with strong prospects for import substitution, export expansion, and job creation.
He urged investors to take advantage of opportunities across the value chain, including ranching, processing, cold chain logistics, and veterinary services, assuring that the government is committed to creating a conducive investment climate.
“We are committed to de-risking investments by strengthening regulations, harmonising data systems, and creating an enabling environment that guarantees strong returns,” he said.
The President of NACCIMA, Jani Ibrahim, said the $50 billion investment drive represents a 10-year strategic plan focused on modern ranching systems, improved infrastructure, and digital innovation.
He reiterated that while the government’s role is to provide an enabling environment, the private sector remains central to driving sustainable economic growth in the livestock industry.
Also speaking, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Emeka Obegolu, described the roundtable as a landmark engagement and the first private sector-led national dialogue dedicated to livestock transformation in Nigeria.
