The Federal Government has unveiled a bold plan to transform Nigeria’s livestock industry into a $74 billion economic engine under its National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL‑GAS). Currently valued at around $32 billion, the livestock sector’s expansion is part of a broader government push to diversify the economy, ensure food security, and reduce reliance on imports.

At the maiden meeting of the National Council on Livestock Development (NCLD) in Yola, Minister Idi Maiha described the effort as historic and transformative. He highlighted ten key pillars of the NL‑GAS: from value-chain development and animal health to peace‑building, infrastructure, and youth and women empowerment. The minister also shared early wins, including the registration of eight new pasture species, the scale-up of vaccine production from 120 million to 850 million doses per year, and rolling out solar-powered cold rooms, boreholes, milk-collection centers, and other infrastructure.

To accelerate growth, the FG has strengthened its partnerships with development donors and private investors. It recently launched a Livestock Donor Working Group to coordinate financing and align interventions with national priorities. By working with both local and international players, the government is betting on a commercially driven livestock economy that can create jobs, modernize production, and position Nigeria as a global player.