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 at a ministerial press briefing, describing the centres as a key component of the livestock transformation agenda under President Bola Tinubu.
Maiha said the proposed centres would not be government-owned farms, but commercially oriented clusters designed to attract private investment across livestock value chains.
“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.
Under the model, each participating state would select an animal species or livestock value chain based on its agro-ecology, feed and water resources, market demand, social acceptance and investment potential.
The minister explained that the centres could support investments in areas including 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.
According to him, the model is intended to address major challenges confronting the livestock sector, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality feed and water, weak veterinary services, low private investment and insecurity.
Maiha linked the initiative to the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, approved by the National Economic Council, which seeks to increase the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product from $32 billion to at least $74 billion by 2035.
He said the partnership would also help reduce the risks associated with the long-distance movement of livestock, particularly from northern production areas to major markets in the South.
“The journey of over 1,000km to supply live animals from the North to the South is fraught with high risks,” he said, adding 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 be responsible for national policy, technical standards, food safety, animal health protocols, traceability, data systems, investor facilitation and regulatory coordination.
State governments, on the other hand, will provide suitable and properly documented land, local infrastructure, community engagement, security coordination and support for investment facilitation.
Private investors and producer organisations 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, noting 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 further said the partnership was expected to contribute to food and nutrition security, job creation, rural development and improved social harmony.
He added that the model would also create opportunities for women and young people to participate in enterprise ownership, value addition and service delivery within 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.
