FG targets livestock sector to drive jobs, growth, $1trn economy
The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to develop Nigeria’s livestock sector, describing it as a key area that can drive economic growth, improve food supply, and support the country’s
The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to develop Nigeria’s livestock sector, describing it as a key area that can drive economic growth, improve food supply, and support the country’s plan to build a $1 trillion economy.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, disclosed this in Abuja at a national stakeholders’ roundtable on transforming the livestock sector, organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Bagudu said the government is working on a broad reform plan that will bring together policies, strengthen institutions, and encourage private sector investment to unlock the sector's full potential. “The livestock sector is one of Nigeria’s most inclusive and immediately scalable economic opportunities,” he said.
He explained that livestock activities take place in every part of the country but have not delivered enough value due to slow adoption of modern practices and lack of coordination. “The sector is present in every state and community, yet its contribution remains low because of slow modernisation and fragmented development efforts,” Bagudu said.
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According to him, the sector currently contributes about five per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, but has the capacity to grow much bigger with the right investments and improved productivity.
He said the renewed focus on livestock development is part of the economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at unlocking key sectors of the economy.
Bagudu disclosed that the National Economic Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, is coordinating efforts across federal, state, and local governments to ensure that policies are aligned and produce measurable results.
He added that the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development is a major step to fast-track growth in the sector by improving production, processing, and distribution. “Our objective is to build a modern, competitive, and inclusive livestock economy that creates jobs and improves livelihoods,” he said.
The minister said the government’s role is to create a clean and stable environment that allows private investors to participate, while also providing support to reduce risks and improve infrastructure.
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He noted that public funding is being mobilised at different levels of government to address key challenges, boost productivity, and support small-scale farmers who make up a large part of the sector.
Bagudu also said Nigeria’s large population provides a strong market for livestock products and an opportunity to expand exports, drawing comparisons with countries like Brazil and Indonesia. “Countries with similar population levels have shown that livestock can significantly increase economic output, and Nigeria has even greater potential,” he said.
On the issue of conflicts linked to livestock production, the minister said outdated practices, pressure on land, and slow adoption of modern systems are major causes.
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He said modernising the sector with better technology and improved resource management will help reduce tensions and promote cooperation among stakeholders. “Modernisation is the bridge between conflict and cooperation. By improving systems, we can turn long-standing challenges into economic opportunities,” Bagudu said.
The minister commended the ACCI for bringing together stakeholders from government, business, and development partners to discuss the future of the sector.
Bagudu noted the livestock sector will play an important role in Nigeria’s economic transformation if properly developed. “With the right coordination, investment and policies, the livestock sector will meet local demand and become a major source of exports, jobs and national growth,” he said.
