President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to overhauling Nigeria’s livestock sector, pledging to avoid past mistakes of neglect and reliance on dairy imports. Speaking in Abuja at the opening of a two-day Consultative Workshop on Livestock Reforms at the State House Conference Centre, the president outlined a bold vision to revitalize the sector and attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
President Tinubu emphasized the need for immediate reforms, stating, “The livestock sector is critical, and we will give all it needs to bring value to our country. Stakeholders, I assure you that you will not regret the collaboration and investment in this sector.”
He criticized the past failure to recognize the economic opportunities within the livestock industry, particularly the inability to provide sufficient milk for schoolchildren. “A country of over 200 million people and cannot serve our children one pint of milk in a classroom per day? That is not right,” Tinubu remarked, adding, “Now that we have seen the opportunity, we must work together to restart the sector.”
The president praised the Presidential Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, led by Co-Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, for their dedication to transforming the livestock industry into a commercial powerhouse that will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP and create jobs. Tinubu cited Nigeria’s vast livestock resources—563 million chickens, 58 million cattle, 124 million goats, and more—as key assets that have yet to reach their full potential due to outdated practices.
Despite these resources, Nigeria continues to struggle with low milk production, minimal meat supply, and high import bills. The president noted that the average milk yield by local cow breeds is just 0.5 to 1.5 liters per day, far below the global average of 6.6 liters. He also highlighted the heavy financial burden of dairy imports, which cost the country between $1.2 and $1.5 billion annually.
“We can bring prosperity to our people. We can feed our children. From grass, we can achieve grace. We can contribute so much to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide decent jobs,” the president stated confidently.
President Tinubu also acknowledged key political figures supporting the reforms, including the Nigerian Governors Forum, chaired by Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who assured 100% support for the initiative. Tinubu also thanked Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, for their dedication to the project.
The workshop marks the start of a series of reforms aimed at improving animal farming practices, boosting production, and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports, with plans to extend the value chain from livestock to meat and dairy production.