By Godwin Ogar
The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious economic roadmap to more than double the revenue from Nigeria’s livestock sector, targeting an annual yield of $74 billion.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, revealed this target during a National Stakeholders Roundtable in Abuja, noting that while the sector currently contributes $32 billion to the national economy, it remains significantly underutilized.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Principal Information and Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu.
According to the statement, to bridge this $42 billion revenue gap, the government has partnered with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to launch a $50 billion private sector-led investment initiative.
The statement quoted the minister as saying that reaching the $74 billion goal requires a departure from traditional methods, moving toward a “private sector-driven economic revolution.”
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 added.
He explained that the drive to hit the $74 billion mark is anchored on the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS).
He identified key areas for aggressive investment to include export expansion, infrastructure modernization and technological Integration.
The Minister urged local and international investors to explore opportunities across the livestock value chain including ranching, processing, cold chain logistics and veterinary services, adding that the current administration is committed to providing the “enabling environment” required to turn the $74 billion vision into a reality.
Supporting the government’s revenue target, NACCIMA President Jani Ibrahim detailed the $50 billion investment drive as a 10-year strategic plan.
He explained that the plan focuses on establishing modern ranching systems and critical infrastructure necessary to sustain a multi-billion dollar industry.
Also speaking, president of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Emeka Obegolu, described the initiative as a landmark shift, marking the first time a private sector-led dialogue has been dedicated to livestock transformation at this scale.
