By Godwin Ogar
The federal government is set to revamp the livestock sector in the country with the release of a $50 billion investment initiative through the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, to drive sector growth.
A statement signed by the Principal Information and Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday shows that the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, at a National Stakeholders Roundtable in Abuja, commended the President of NACCIMA, Jani Ibrahim, for spearheading a private sector-driven approach to repositioning the livestock industry, noting that sustainable growth in the sector would depend largely on private investment, innovation, and strong collaboration with government.
According to the Minister, “government alone cannot drive this transformation; the future of Nigeria’s livestock sector depends on bold, private sector-led investment across the value chain.”
“We see the private sector not just as participants, but as the primary drivers of this economic revolution, with vast opportunities spanning agro-processing, animal health, and digital innovation,” he stated.
Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the initiative as a timely and strategic move that aligns with the Federal Government’s National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS).
The areas of investment in the sector that the Minister described as priority value chains with strong potentials for import substitution, export expansion and job creation include red meat, dairy and leather as he urged investors to explore opportunities across the livestock value chain including ranching, processing, cold chain logistics and veterinary services.
According to him, the sector presently contributes $32 billion to Nigeria’s economy as well as supports millions of livelihood, but said that the potentials are far greater than what the country earns presently, noting that his administration targets to generate $74 billion annually from the sector.
Earlier, NACCIMA President, Jani Ibrahim, described the $50 billion investment drive as a 10-year strategic plan focused on modern ranching systems, improved infrastructure, and digital innovation. He reiterated that while the government provides an enabling environment, the private sector remains the key driver of economic growth.
Also speaking, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Emeka Obegolu, described the roundtable as a landmark engagement and the first private sector-led national dialogue dedicated to livestock transformation in Nigeria
