The Federal Government has unveiled a Federal-State-Private Sector partnership model aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector through the establishment of species-specific Livestock Development Centres across the country.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, announced the initiative during a ministerial press briefing, describing the centres as a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s livestock transformation agenda.
Maiha explained that the proposed centres would not be government-owned farms but commercially oriented clusters designed to attract private investment across different livestock value chains.
Under the model, participating states would select animal species or livestock value chains based on their agro-ecology, availability of feed and water, market demand, social acceptance and investment potential.
“The proposed Centres are not to be treated as government farms or isolated construction projects. They are to be commercially oriented livestock productive-alliance platforms that combine public goods with investable businesses,” the minister said.
He said the centres could accommodate investments in breeding, feed and fodder production, animal health, aggregation, cattle finishing, dairy production, poultry, sheep and goat farming, processing, cold-chain storage, logistics, biogas and organic fertiliser production.
According to him, the initiative is designed to address major challenges affecting the livestock industry, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality feed and water, weak veterinary services, low private-sector investment and insecurity.
Target to increase livestock contribution to GDP
Maiha linked the initiative to the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), which was approved by the National Economic Council.
The strategy aims to increase the livestock sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product from $32 billion to at least $74 billion by 2035.
The minister said the proposed development centres would help create more efficient livestock production and reduce some of the risks associated with transporting animals over long distances.
He specifically highlighted the movement of livestock from northern production areas to major markets in southern Nigeria.
“The journey of over 1,000km to supply live animals from the North to the South is fraught with high risks,” Maiha said.
He explained that states would instead be encouraged to develop livestock value chains according to their comparative advantages and local market demands.
Roles for federal, state governments and investors
Under the partnership framework, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development will be responsible for national policy, technical standards, food safety, animal health protocols, traceability, data systems, investor facilitation and regulatory coordination.
State governments will provide suitable and properly documented land, local infrastructure, community engagement, security coordination and investment facilitation.
Private investors and producer organisations, meanwhile, will finance, construct and operate the commercial components of the centres.
They will also be expected to create employment and provide market opportunities for livestock producers and other participants in the value chain.
Centres to reflect local realities
Maiha said the model was deliberately designed to avoid imposing a single livestock-development template on all states.
He noted that livestock production differs considerably across Nigeria because of variations in climate, feed availability, water resources, disease risks, land use, production traditions and market demand.
The minister said allowing states to select value chains based on their specific circumstances would make the initiative more commercially viable and sustainable.
He added that the partnership would contribute to food and nutrition security, job creation, rural development and improved social harmony.
Youths and women to benefit
The initiative is also expected to create opportunities for women and young people to participate in livestock enterprise ownership, value addition and service delivery.
Maiha said the government’s ultimate objective was to develop a modern, sustainable, profitable and globally competitive livestock sector capable of supporting food security, wealth creation, rural transformation and peace.
He said the Federal Government would work with state governments, livestock producers, private investors and other stakeholders to establish the centres according to the specific opportunities and needs of participating states.