The Minister of Livestock Development has briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the progress, achievements and strategic priorities of the Ministry of Livestock Development since its creation in July 2024.
The Minister said the creation of the ministry was driven by the Federal Government’s determination to give greater attention to a sector that had remained largely outside the mainstream of Nigeria’s economic development since independence.
According to the Minister, the ministry’s vision is to modernise the livestock sector, make it sustainable and profitable, and position it to compete effectively in the global economy.
He noted that the vision has continued to gain traction across the country, with about 20 state governments establishing ministries or agencies dedicated to livestock development.
The Minister described this development as a demonstration of the growing recognition of the importance of the livestock sector and an opportunity for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and the states.
He explained that because land and many animal resources fall largely within the jurisdiction of the states, effective transformation of the sector requires sustained cooperation between federal and subnational authorities.
National Ranching Policy
A major focus of the ministry’s programme is the implementation of the National Ranching Policy, which was launched in Plateau State.
The Minister said the ministry is currently developing an implementation strategy while engaging extensively with the Plateau State Government, pastoral organisations and other stakeholders.
He disclosed that the government is adopting a consultative approach, listening to pastoralists and other stakeholders and explaining the objectives and benefits of the ranching policy.
The ministry has also identified six priority states — Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Adamawa and the Federal Capital Territory — where farmer-herder conflicts have been particularly prominent.
A pilot ranching project in Plateau State is expected to serve as a proof of concept for the broader national ranching programme.
The Minister explained that the government’s approach is not simply to relocate pastoralists but to create integrated economic communities where livestock production can thrive.
Under the proposed model, ranching areas will have livestock facilities, veterinary clinics, primary schools, primary healthcare centres, solar lighting and small-scale irrigation infrastructure to support pasture production.
The ranches are also expected to evolve into economic hubs, attracting milk processors, modular abattoirs, biogas facilities and other businesses along the livestock value chain.
A New Approach to Farmer-Herder Conflicts
The Minister said the government recognises that nomadic livestock movement has increasingly become unsustainable due to the disappearance of traditional grazing routes, expansion of farms, infrastructure development, population growth and the increasing competition for land.
He explained that livestock movement is often driven by the search for water and pasture and that providing these resources in designated ranching areas would reduce the need for long-distance movement.
The ministry has therefore intensified consultations with pastoral organisations, with engagements already held with about 34 pastoralist organisations.
The Minister stressed that the policy is designed to work with pastoralists rather than against them, adding that the objective is to create a modern livestock production system that benefits both farmers and herders while reducing conflicts.
He also advocated improved livestock genetics, better feeding systems and higher productivity, noting that modern breeds and improved management can produce significantly more milk and meat with fewer animals.
National Animal Identification System
Another major initiative highlighted by the Minister is the planned introduction of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) ear tags for livestock.
The system is expected to provide identification, location information and proof of ownership for cattle and other livestock.
The initiative will also support the development of a national database of livestock resources and make it easier to trace and recover animals that are lost, stolen or displaced.
According to the Minister, the system will contribute to efforts to stabilise the livestock sector, strengthen animal security and support measures aimed at preventing farmer-herder conflicts.
Modern Meat Processing and Abattoirs
The ministry is also promoting the development of modern abattoirs and meat-processing facilities across the country.
The Minister noted that many existing open slaughter facilities do not meet the required public-health standards and called for a transition towards modern, hygienic and efficient meat-processing systems.
He disclosed that the ministry has participated in groundbreaking ceremonies for major modern abattoir projects in some states as part of the effort to modernise the red-meat value chain.
Dairy Development and Feed Production
The Minister said dairy development remains a key component of the ministry’s transformation agenda.
He disclosed that discussions are ongoing with local investors and development partners interested in establishing large-scale dairy projects across the country.
The ministry is equally focusing on commercial feed and fodder cultivation to address one of the major constraints facing livestock production.
Plans are being developed to support large-scale cultivation of pasture and fodder, including through partnerships that will make land available for commercial production.
The Minister stressed that the availability of quality feed is essential to increasing livestock productivity and reducing the pressure that drives animals to move in search of grazing resources.
Veterinary Services and Vaccine Infrastructure
The Federal Government is also investing heavily in livestock health infrastructure.
The Minister disclosed that at least seven modern veterinary clinics have already been established, with a long-term objective of ensuring that every state has at least one modern veterinary hospital and that veterinary services reach livestock owners at the grassroots.
The ministry is also developing cold-chain infrastructure for the storage and transportation of veterinary vaccines.
This is aimed at ensuring that vaccines are maintained within the required temperature range from storage to deployment, thereby strengthening disease prevention and animal-health services across the country.
Support for Poultry and Egg Production
The ministry is also looking at measures to stabilise the poultry sector, including efforts to address shortages in the supply of fertilised eggs.
The Minister said the government is considering large-scale importation of fertilised eggs as an interim measure to ensure that local poultry producers have timely access to quality inputs while domestic production capacity is strengthened.
President Tinubu Commends Livestock Value Chain
The Minister described President Tinubu’s response to the briefing as highly supportive and encouraging.
He said the President demonstrated a clear understanding of developments in the livestock sector and actively engaged with the issues raised during their discussion.
The Minister quoted the President as describing the livestock value chain as “fantastic” and encouraging Nigerians to participate in its vast opportunities.
The President also asked what additional measures could be taken to accelerate progress in the sector, according to the Minister.
The Minister expressed appreciation for the President’s political support and commitment to livestock development, saying the ministry would return to work with renewed determination to deliver on its mandate.
Building a Modern and Peaceful Livestock Economy
The Minister said the overarching objective of the ministry is to move Nigeria from a predominantly traditional livestock system to a modern, productive, sustainable and commercially viable industry.
He said the ranching programme, animal identification system, modern abattoirs, dairy investments, feed production, veterinary infrastructure and improved livestock genetics are all interconnected components of the transformation agenda.
The ministry seeks to reduce farmer-herder conflicts, improve livestock productivity, create jobs and investment opportunities, strengthen Nigeria’s food security and build a livestock sector capable of contributing significantly to national economic growth.
The Minister reaffirmed that the Federal Government will continue to engage pastoralists, farmers, state governments, investors, development partners and other stakeholders to ensure that the livestock transformation agenda succeeds.
“We need to stabilise rural areas, increase the survivability and productivity of our animals, and improve our national food and nutrition security.”