FG Unveils State-Specific Livestock Centres to Drive $74bn Sector Growth

Federal Government Unveils State-Specific Livestock Centres

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The Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish state-specific Livestock Development Centres to drive the livestock sector's growth from $32bn to at least $74bn by 2035. This is a major boost to the agricultural sector, which contributes significantly to Nigeria's economy.

The initiative, being implemented through federal, state, and private-sector partnerships, will allow participating states to select livestock species or value chains based on their agro-ecology, producer base, feed and water resources, market demand, social acceptance, and investment potential.

According to Idi Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, the centres will not be government farms or isolated construction projects, but commercially oriented livestock productive alliance platforms that combine public goods with investable businesses. By doing so, they will attract investments in various areas of the livestock value chain.

The ministry has stressed that the proposed centres will be commercially oriented and will not be treated as government farms or isolated construction projects. They are expected to create jobs, promote rural development, and increase food and nutrition sovereignty.

Who is Behind the Initiative?

Idi Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, is the mastermind behind the initiative. He was appointed by President Buhari in July 2024, when the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) was created. Prior to his appointment, there were only three states with similar Ministries of Livestock. Today, there are twenty states with Ministries or Agencies dedicated to the livestock sector.

What Does the Initiative Entail?

The initiative involves the establishment of state-specific Livestock Development Centres, which will serve as commercially oriented livestock productive alliance platforms. The centres will be responsible for promoting the development of the livestock sector, creating jobs, and increasing food and nutrition sovereignty.

The Federal Government will be responsible for national policy, technical standards, food safety and animal health protocols, traceability requirements, data systems, investor facilitation, and regulatory coordination. States will provide suitable land, local infrastructure, community engagement, security coordination, and producer mobilisation.

Benefits of the Initiative

The initiative is expected to create jobs, promote rural development, and increase food and nutrition sovereignty. It will also attract investments in the livestock sector, increase livestock production, and improve the quality of livestock products.

Challenges Ahead

The initiative faces several challenges, including the need for suitable land, local infrastructure, and community engagement. States will need to provide these essential supports for the centres to succeed.

The Federal Government will need to work closely with states to ensure that the centres are established on time and that they meet the required standards.