Nigeria’s heavy dependence on foreign livestock products valued at ₦4.46 trillion over the past 66 months has prompted the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward strengthening domestic production and achieving greater food self-sufficiency.

Recent trade data revealed that the country spent trillions of naira importing meat, dairy, and other animal products, a trend experts warn could undermine economic stability by draining foreign exchange reserves and discouraging local investment.

In response, the government has launched a Strategic Livestock Growth Plan, designed to expand domestic production capacity, improve feed supply, enhance animal health systems, and modernize the livestock value chain. The plan aims to reduce import dependence while creating jobs and stimulating rural economic growth.

“Nigeria cannot continue to import what it can produce,” an official from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security said. “Our livestock sector has the potential to generate millions of jobs and ensure food self-sufficiency if properly supported.”

Analysts note that if implemented effectively, the initiative could reposition livestock farming as a major contributor to the national GDP, rivaling crop and oil production. However, they caution that challenges such as high feed costs, limited financing, poor infrastructure, and recurring farmer-herder conflicts must be tackled to ensure lasting progress.

Agricultural experts also highlight the importance of private-sector investment, robust veterinary systems, and modern cold-chain logistics to improve product quality and competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.

With the livestock growth plan underway, Nigeria aims to transform its ₦4.46 trillion import burden into an opportunity for domestic productivity, rural employment, and economic resilience.