By Faridat Salifu
The Federal Government says the implementation of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) 2025–2035 is projected to raise the livestock sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035.
Minister of Livestock Development, Dr Idi Maiha, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the Donor and Partnership Workshop on Livestock Development in Nigeria, themed: “Strengthening Strategic Partnership for Livestock Transformation.”
Maiha described the strategy as a comprehensive, market-driven, private sector-led and public sector-enabled roadmap aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s livestock industry.
“It is achievable and exciting. We are not scared; we can do it for this country,” Maiha said. “The presence of donors and other partners here reflects your enduring commitment to Nigeria’s development and your belief in the transformative power of collaboration.”
The Minister recalled that President Bola Tinubu established the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in 2024 to reposition the sector as a driver of inclusive growth, food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and economic diversification.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the administration’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy by 2030, with the livestock industry expected to contribute at least $74 billion by 2035.
Maiha explained that the NL-GAS, already approved by the National Economic Council (NEC), is built around 10 strategic pillars designed to address structural challenges across the livestock value chain.
“The pillars include livestock value chain development and market access; animal health and zoonoses control; feed and fodder development; water resources management; livestock extension services; peace building and social cohesion; finance and insurance; statistics and information systems; infrastructure development and waste management; as well as youth and women empowerment,” he said.
He described women and youth empowerment as central to the plan, noting that they form the backbone of the strategy to double the national herd, enhance productivity, and position Nigeria as a global supplier of quality animal protein.
In her remarks, Temitayo Omole, Programme Manager at the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Nigeria and ECOWAS, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s livestock growth, especially in feed production, genetics, breeding, and animal health.
“We are intervening in agriculture, livelihoods, and other sectors. One of our key areas is animal health, which is critical to livestock development. We are addressing Newcastle disease in poultry and PPR in ruminants through vaccine production,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr Hussein Gadain, Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the organisation had consistently provided technical support to the government in livestock disease control and sustainable production systems.
Gadain noted that FAO has been working closely with rural communities through breeding initiatives, farmer field schools, and training on best practices in livestock management.
“The livestock sector is a key component of Nigeria’s productive economy, employing millions of rural Nigerians and contributing to nutrition and food security. It is a vital source of protein, not only from meat but also from milk, thereby helping to reduce malnutrition,” he said.
He added that since the outbreak of COVID-19 — a zoonotic disease — FAO and partners have strengthened the One Health approach to prevent and control animal-borne diseases in Nigeria.
The Donor and Partnership Workshop brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from international organisations, government agencies, and private sector players, to mobilise support for the effective implementation of the NL-GAS roadmap.