NIGERIA – Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, outlined a new government initiative to transform the country’s livestock and meat sector by adopting commercial pasture production.
This was announced in a recent address in Kaduna State’s Chikun Local Government Area.
Maiha emphasised that the global livestock industry has increasingly embraced commercial pasture production, allowing new participants to enter the sector.
With Nigeria’s livestock figures—including over 20 million cattle, nearly 80 million goats, and close to 50 million sheep—Maiha hailed the country’s potential for growth within the livestock field, though he highlighted that success hinges on peaceful cooperation between communities.
“The development of the livestock sector requires stability and cooperation,” Maiha stated, adding that the administration under President Tinubu is committed to reinvigorating this industry. This dedication, he said, is reflected in the recent establishment of Nigeria’s first Ministry of Livestock Development, a step he described as unprecedented.
Maiha also addressed the challenges facing Nigeria’s dairy production, noting that the average cow in Nigeria produces just one liter of milk daily, far below the global average of 6.6 liters.
To close this gap, he announced plans for genetic improvements and infrastructure upgrades aimed at boosting productivity.
He detailed government plans to establish grazing reserves equipped with modern facilities, aiming to improve management and attract herders to the reserves.
Nigeria’s livestock population remains substantial.
In 2022, the country had approximately 258.5 million chickens, 137.4 million goats and sheep, 20.9 million cattle, and 9.2 million pigs.
The livestock sector contributes an estimated 5%–30% of Nigeria’s GDP and around 40% of West Africa’s agricultural GDP.
It also supplies around 36.5% of the protein in Nigerian diets, with states like Katsina, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, and Borno leading in animal rearing.
Nigeria’s poultry sector produces around 454,000 tonnes of meat annually and 3.8 million eggs.
The nation’s meat market, currently valued at around US$40.74 billion, is projected to grow by 12.01% yearly through 2029.
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