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 proposed centres as a key component of the livestock transformation agenda under President Bola Tinubu.
Maiha said the centres would not operate as government-owned farms but as commercially oriented clusters designed to attract private investment across different livestock value chains.
Under the model, participating states will select an animal species or livestock value chain based on factors including 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 explained that the centres could support 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 Maiha, the initiative is designed to tackle some of the major challenges facing Nigeria’s livestock sector, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality feed and water, weak veterinary services, low private investment and insecurity.
The minister linked the initiative to the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), which was approved by the National Economic Council and seeks to increase the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product from $32 billion to at least $74 billion by 2035.
Maiha said the partnership would also reduce the risks associated with the long-distance transportation of livestock, particularly the movement of animals 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,” he said.
He argued that states should instead develop livestock value chains based on their comparative advantages and local market demands.
Under the framework, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development will oversee national policy, technical standards, food safety, animal health protocols, traceability, data systems, investor facilitation and regulatory coordination.
State governments will be responsible for providing suitable and properly documented land, local infrastructure, community engagement, security coordination and support for investment facilitation.
Private investors and producer organisations, meanwhile, will finance, build and operate the commercial components of the centres while creating employment and providing market opportunities.
Maiha said the approach would ensure that livestock development was driven by local realities rather than a uniform model imposed across the country.
He noted that livestock production varies significantly across Nigeria due to differences in climate, feed availability, water resources, disease risks, land use, production traditions and market demand.
The minister said the partnership was also expected to contribute to food and nutrition security, job creation, rural development and improved social harmony.
He added that the model would create opportunities for women and young people to participate in enterprise ownership, value addition and service delivery across the livestock value chain.
According to Maiha, the ultimate objective is to build a “modern, sustainable, profitable and globally competitive livestock sector” capable of supporting food security, wealth creation, rural transformation and peace.
The minister said the Federal Government would work with state governments, livestock producers, private investors and other stakeholders to develop the centres in line with the specific opportunities and needs of participating states.
