On April 24, 2025, the National Economic Council (NEC) of Nigeria gave the green light to an ambitious agribusiness expansion and livestock development plan, with a projected worth of $90 billion by 2035. This approval outlines a comprehensive strategy to modernize the country’s livestock sector, stimulate job creation, and bolster economic growth. The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) will spearhead this transformation, aligning efforts across various government levels, the private sector, and international stakeholders.

The announcement came through a statement from Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, in which he highlighted the vital focus areas and strategic importance of the initiative for Nigeria’s agricultural and economic future.

Strengthening the Livestock Sector through Established Frameworks
This expansive plan builds upon the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) 2018–2028, which has already laid the groundwork for improving cattle ranching and resolving security issues in rural areas. Additionally, it integrates the refined National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), focusing on accelerating growth by enhancing job creation, wealth generation, and export potential, along with improving domestic and global market access.

By targeting modernization across livestock production, the strategy aims to harness Nigeria’s economic potential through an upgraded value chain. This comprehensive approach is poised to turn the country into a leading livestock exporter, especially to Middle Eastern and Asian markets.

Key Focus Areas for Transforming Nigeria’s Livestock Sector
The newly approved plan outlines several key initiatives that will reshape Nigeria’s livestock industry. These priorities include:

1. Animal Health and Zoonoses Control: Improving veterinary systems to enhance livestock health and curb the spread of zoonotic diseases, thus safeguarding both animals and public health.

2. Feed and Fodder Development: Expanding feed production and distribution systems to ensure livestock have access to high-quality nutrition, improving both productivity and sustainability.

3. Water Resources Management: Addressing water scarcity by upgrading water management systems, particularly in areas critical to livestock farming.

4. Breed Improvement and Information Systems: Investing in breed development and improving data collection processes, essential for informed decision-making and production optimization.

These strategic pillars are crucial to establishing a competitive and sustainable livestock sector, capable of meeting both domestic demand and international export standards.

Public-Private Partnerships to Drive Economic Growth
A central component of the plan is fostering collaboration between the federal and state governments, the private sector, and international investors. This public-private partnership model is expected to build a robust regulatory framework and attract significant investments to the sector.

With projections estimating that the livestock sector could generate between $74 billion and $90 billion by 2035, the plan encourages joint efforts to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural industry. By partnering with both local and foreign investors, the plan aims to provide new job opportunities, stimulate national economic growth, and create pathways for expanding Nigeria’s global livestock market share.

Government Support and Resource Allocation for Livestock Development
To ensure the successful implementation of this plan, the NEC approved several proposals aimed at strengthening the livestock sector. These proposals include:

• Official endorsement of the FMLD’s role in executing the NLTP’s strategic priorities.

• Allocation of N100 billion to the FMLD to kick-start the industry’s modernization efforts.

• Establishment of state-level ministries of livestock development to facilitate regional coordination and localized execution of the plan.

• Access to the Federal Ministry’s technical expertise in critical areas such as animal health, disease control, and infrastructure development.

These actions are designed to provide the necessary resources and institutional support to facilitate Nigeria’s livestock transformation.

Tackling the Challenges in Nigeria’s Livestock Farming System
Nigeria’s livestock sector faces numerous challenges, including outdated farming practices, inefficient resource management, and regional insecurity that disrupts both production and trade. The newly approved plan aims to address these issues by transforming the entire livestock value chain, enhancing everything from production to marketing.

The NEC’s endorsement recognizes the urgent need to address the structural deficiencies within Nigeria’s current livestock systems, which have hindered growth and limited the sector’s potential for expansion. Through targeted interventions, the plan hopes to resolve these challenges and establish a more robust and sustainable livestock industry.

Collaboration is Key: Involvement of All Stakeholders
For this initiative to succeed, active participation from all levels of government, the private sector, and international partners is essential. The NEC’s approval emphasized the need for sub-national governments and private investors to take an active role in implementing the FMLD’s priorities. This multi-level collaboration is critical to ensuring the success of the livestock transformation agenda and achieving the sector’s long-term goals.

A Vision for Nigeria’s Livestock Sector by 2035
The approval of this $90 billion agribusiness and livestock development plan marks a significant step toward transforming Nigeria’s agricultural and livestock sectors. By 2035, the country aims to become a major player in the global livestock market, driving economic growth through enhanced productivity, job creation, and international exports.

Through strategic partnerships and careful execution, this plan could pave the way for a more sustainable, prosperous, and globally competitive Nigerian livestock industry. The successful implementation of these strategies will not only boost the economy but also contribute to food security, agricultural innovation, and sustainable growth in the years to come.