Nigerian government unveils livestock investment master plan to drive national prosperity

NIGERIA – The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has unveiled a comprehensive investment roadmap designed to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector into a driver of food security, rural prosperity, and economic growth. 

The strategy, formally presented in Abuja by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), marks a pivotal step toward repositioning livestock as a cornerstone of national development.

At the handover ceremony, Honourable Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha described the National Livestock Master Plan (NLMP) as not merely a policy document but a “blueprint for transformation.” 

He noted that the livestock sector already contributes about 17% of agricultural GDP and 5% of national GDP, sustaining millions of livelihoods across the country. 

Yet, recurring disease outbreaks, low productivity, weak infrastructure, and limited market access have long constrained its growth.

“The NLMP is our response to these challenges, a 15-year investment plan that provides a pathway for sustainable growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and inclusive prosperity,” the minister said. 

He pointed to Tanzania’s Livestock Master Plan, developed with ILRI in 2018, which attracted more than US$624 million in investment, as proof that such initiatives can catalyse lasting change.

With Nigeria’s plan now finalized, Maiha emphasized that the country has a tested roadmap to mobilize investment, attract partnerships, and implement evidence-based interventions across key livestock value chains.

Evidence-based roadmap

Dr Dolapo Enahoro, ILRI’s lead on the project, explained that the plan was developed over 24 months of rigorous research, consultations, and scenario modelling with stakeholders nationwide. 

She was joined in the presentation by colleagues Oladeji Bamidele, Sirak Bahta, and Francis Wanyoki, who led technical sessions in the run-up to the unveiling.

According to Dr Bahta, the strategy identifies cattle, poultry, sheep and goats, pigs, and feed systems as priority value chains. It outlines interventions in breeding and genetics, pasture development, animal health, market infrastructure, and policy reforms.

“The NLMP is not just about technical inputs but about creating an enabling environment where policies, investments and innovations converge to drive sustainable change,” Bahta said.

Without intervention, he warned, Nigeria’s growing demand for meat, milk, and eggs will continue to outpace domestic supply, deepening reliance on imports. But with targeted investments, the country can meet rising demand, reduce import dependence, and emerge as a regional hub for livestock products.

Raising productivity and protecting livelihoods

Among the plan’s priorities is tackling feed shortages through expanded pasture cultivation, modernised feedlot systems, and floodplain grazing development. Projections suggest these measures could raise productivity by up to 40%. 

The plan also advances community-based breeding programs to improve genetics while preserving indigenous livestock species.

On animal health, the roadmap proposes scaling vaccination coverage to 75% and training community animal health workers, which could cut livestock mortality by 65%. Such improvements would not only strengthen food safety but also safeguard the incomes of rural households.

Additionally, the ministry emphasised the importance of gender inclusion. Ben Goong, Director of Press and Public Relations, emphasised that women play critical roles in dairy, poultry, and small ruminant value chains. He recommended targeted financing and access to technology to unlock their full productivity.

The unveiling of the strategy signals the beginning of implementation. The government and ILRI confirmed that the next steps include finalising the broader National Livestock Master Plan and engaging stakeholders to mobilise the investments required.

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