Daniel Adaji
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development on Monday signalled a decisive shift in Nigeria’s livestock agenda, using the maiden meeting of the National Council on Livestock Development (NCLD) in Yola to unveil a fresh national direction aimed at rebuilding the sector and expanding its contribution to food security, jobs, and economic growth.
Declaring the meeting open, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, told delegates that the inauguration of the NCLD marked “a defining moment in our journey to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector into a globally competitive and sustainable apparatus of growth.” She said the Council would drive a collaborative, innovative and private-sector-led reform process that aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Akujobi explained that the ministry’s emerging policies would “reposition our livestock sector for inclusive growth, improved productivity and resilience,” adding that they would refine existing programmes while introducing new approaches to strengthen value chains and attract investment. “By formally inaugurating the NCLD today, we are setting a new tone for livestock development in Nigeria,” she said.
She stressed that the livestock industry remained central to the administration’s priorities, including food security, job creation, value addition and export expansion. According to her, the ministry would continue to create the enabling environment and policy incentives that unlock opportunities for farmers, especially women and young people. “Every policy we shape, every partnership we forge, and every innovation we nurture must translate into better livelihoods for our livestock farmers, other value chain actors and Nigerians at large,” she stated.
The Permanent Secretary urged delegates to produce actionable outcomes that would strengthen resilience and global competitiveness across the sector. She also thanked the Adamawa State Government for hosting the historic gathering and commended participants and partners for their commitment. “Together we can rekindle hope, reimagine possibilities, and redefine the future of livestock development in Nigeria,” she added.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, Hon. Tasir Olawale Raji, described the meeting as a strategic step toward revitalising a sector critical to Nigeria’s stability and future economic prosperity. He said the theme, “Livestock Sector Rebirth: Accelerating Renewed Hope,” reflected the urgency of transforming livestock production into a modern and competitive enterprise.
Raji highlighted the country’s livestock statistics—563 million chickens, 58 million cattle, 124 million goats, 60 million sheep, and 16 million pigs—stating that they place Nigeria ahead of its West African neighbours. Yet, he warned that domestic production still falls short of national demand, forcing the country to spend billions of naira on imports. “Nigeria currently imports about 65% of the milk consumed in the country in order to meet an annual demand of approximately 1.7 million metric tonnes,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria’s per capita consumption of milk, meat and eggs remains far below global averages, underscoring why the Council must address structural gaps. “The task before us is clear, yet the big question remains: ‘How do we turn things around?’” he asked, describing the meeting as an opportunity to provide “practical answers” and commit to reforms that will enhance productivity, improve animal health, and boost value addition.
Raji reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting the transformation agenda. He disclosed that lawmakers were already working on new legislative instruments to modernize livestock production and strengthen institutional capacity. “We are resolute in exercising our constitutional mandate to provide the legislative framework, oversight, and policy direction required to propel the sector forward,” he said.
He added that the House Committee would deepen collaboration with the Executive, research institutions, development partners and industry stakeholders to build a commercially vibrant livestock economy that creates jobs, reduces conflict, and contributes significantly to GDP growth.
Raji expressed confidence that the Council’s deliberations would “accelerate the Renewed Hope Agenda in the livestock sector” and help reposition livestock production from subsistence to commercial scale. “May this maiden meeting mark the beginning of a new era of growth, harmony, and innovation in Nigeria’s livestock sector,” he said.
The NCLD meeting drew senior government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, development partners and livestock experts from across the country. The Council is expected to issue a set of recommendations to guide future livestock reforms nationwide.
