By Dele Ogbodo
The Minister of Livestock Development, Mr. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, on Friday expressed optimism that the Ministry will expand Nigeria’s livestock sector’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035.
He made the disclosure while briefing the Media and industry stakeholders on his score card since assumption of duty in 2024 as Minister of the newly created Ministry at the Radio House in Abuja.
The briefing which also featured presentation by the newly created Ministry of Regional Development under the super of Engr. Abubakar Momoh, was organized by their counterpart in the Ministry of Information, headed by Mr. Mohammed Idris as Minister.
To achieve the $74 billion lofty target, he said the Ministry has established a clear roadmap through a 5 year development plan (2025-2030) using strategic pillar with the abundant capacity available within the Ministry.
According to him, the Ministry is focused on boosting food security, promote inclusivity, boost production, improve animal health and to strengthen sector governance.
While bemoaning the country’s unattractive feed and fodder mechanism for expanding the country’s livestock base, he added: “Expanding access to nutritious and affordable feed options to increase livestock weight and yield by 15% to 50%, to ensure higher quality meat, dairy and poultry products while reducing production cost of farmers.”
While acknowledging the lingering frequent clash between farmers and herders, he added that a solution is in sight through the Ministry’s peace building, security and social cohesion, adding: “We shall be implementing conflict resolution mechanism grazing reserve development and resettlement programmes to address farmer-herder disputes, improve security and foster peaceful co-existence between communities.”
Maiha, explained that as it is done in developed nations, the Ministry has concluded arrangements to develop a centralized National Livestock Database to enhahnce policy formulation, market intelligence and disease control, ensuring data driven-decision-making for sustainable growth.
He said: “Our strategic plan will serve as guiding document for implementing policies, attracting investments and ensuring efficient sectoral coordination.
“The Ministry’s competitive edge will be built on quality assurance anchored on healthy herds, improved management practices, enhanced processing and premium packaging.”
On collaboration, he admitted that the Ministry has forged strong alliances with international partners, investoors and diplomatic mission to secure technical expertise, financing and strategic investments, explaining that kety delegations from Brazil, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Mexico, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, UK and US have been engaging with the Ministry to opportunities within the industry for Nigeria’s food security and development.
