FG Woos Investors to Unlock Nigeria's Livestock Potential, Targets Gulf Export Market

"Nigeria possesses enormous untapped opportunities in livestock production and called for stronger partnerships in fodder cultivation, livestock breeding, capacity building and value chain development to enhance food security, create jobs and stimulate economic growth." Maiha

.... Says "the ministry is exploring the use of major dams in Kano State, including Challawa and Bagauda dams, to support large-scale fodder production while collaborating with development partners to improve access to quality seeds."

The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to attract local and international investment into Nigeria's livestock sector, unveiling plans to expand fodder production, strengthen livestock value chains and position the country as a major exporter of livestock products to the Gulf region.

Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this during a meeting in Abuja with an international delegation led by Safia Boly, Senior Vice President for Africa at Heifer International.

Maiha said Nigeria possesses enormous untapped opportunities in livestock production and called for stronger partnerships in fodder cultivation, livestock breeding, capacity building and value chain development to enhance food security, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

He revealed that the ministry is exploring the use of major dams in Kano State, including Challawa and Bagauda dams, to support large-scale fodder production while collaborating with development partners to improve access to quality seeds.

The minister also urged development partners to support the proposed National Livestock Education and Business (NLEB) initiative, describing it as a transformative programme that would accelerate the sector's growth.

Highlighting growing investor confidence, Maiha said the livestock sector is attracting unprecedented investment, citing a $490 million dairy financing initiative facilitated through the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority following President Bola Tinubu's state visit to the United Kingdom.

He further disclosed that a private investor is working with the ministry to establish a 10,000-head cattle project on more than 6,000 hectares of land, incorporating a modern livestock training institution alongside commercial farming operations.

According to the minister, Nigeria's proximity to Gulf countries—requiring only about five hours of flight time—gives it a competitive advantage over other livestock-exporting nations, making the country an attractive destination for investment in dairy, red meat and commercial fodder production.

Maiha also announced plans to revive a dedicated Hides and Skins Desk within the ministry to coordinate the leather value chain, noting that tanneries in Kano process up to 50,000 goat skins daily, with similar operations in Sokoto and Maiduguri. He said strengthening the industry would generate thousands of jobs and improve rural incomes.

Earlier, Boly said Heifer International was committed to strengthening collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development through a government-led co-investment framework. She said the organisation would provide technical support to help achieve Nigeria's livestock development goals while promoting policy alignment, innovation and sustainable investment.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Henrietta Okokon, Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.