The Federal Government says fresh waves of investment commitments are now emerging in Nigeria’s livestock industry, as several bilateral engagements and private-sector negotiations have matured into firm expressions of interest.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this in Yola at the opening of the maiden National Council on Livestock Development. According to him, multiple companies are finalising targeted funding for priority areas including dairy and beef production, fodder development, small ruminants, improved breeding systems, poultry, piggery and animal identification.
Maiha noted that partnerships pursued by the ministry over the past year “are no longer theoretical,” adding that Nigerians should expect concrete results soon—particularly in dairy development, climate-smart livestock practices and peacebuilding initiatives supported by development partners.
He explained that the newly created council is designed to harmonise national policies, deepen collaboration among stakeholders and attract meaningful investment into the sector. The overall goal, he said, is to transition the livestock industry from a largely traditional and conflict-prone system into a modern, productive enterprise capable of strengthening food security, supporting rural prosperity and promoting national stability.
The minister reminded delegates that the ministry, established sixteen months ago, is mandated to grow the sector’s economic value from its current $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035. He added that the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy and the National Livestock Master Plan are guiding this transformation.
Appealing for unity of purpose, Maiha urged stakeholders to position livestock production as a symbol of national progress and a pathway to better incomes and safer communities for both pastoralists and farmers.
Representing Adamawa State Governor, Deputy Governor Professor Kaletapwa George Farauta described livestock as a cornerstone of the state’s heritage. She noted that Adamawa established a dedicated livestock ministry over two decades ago, well before similar structures emerged elsewhere. She urged the Federal Government to scale up support for the state’s pilot ranching programme under the National Livestock Transformation Plan.
In his keynote address, Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Reforms, Professor Attahiru Jega, called for the conversion of long-standing flashpoints of conflict into economic assets. He proposed transforming farmer–herder routes into organised fodder corridors capable of employing young people.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi said the inauguration of the council marks a new era for the sector—one defined by innovation, shared responsibility and private-sector-led growth.
Goodwill messages were delivered by leaders of the National Assembly committees on livestock, Adamawa State officials and various development partners.
Dignitaries later toured an exhibition showcasing dairy products, beef processing, poultry innovations, fodder solutions, animal breeding technologies and veterinary services, highlighting the sector’s potential for inclusive growth.
The event, themed “Livestock Rebirth: Accelerating Renewed Hope,” wrapped up in Yola with renewed commitments to reposition the industry for sustainable development.