Federal Government has intensified efforts to unlock the full economic potential of Nigeria’s livestock sector, positioning it as a critical driver of inclusive growth, food security, and the nation’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, made this known at the National Stakeholders Roundtable on Transforming the Livestock Sector, convened by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in Abuja.

Delivering a keynote address, the minister outlined a coordinated, multi-level reform strategy anchored on policy alignment, institutional strengthening, and private sector-led investment, describing the livestock sector as “one of Nigeria’s most inclusive and immediately scalable economic opportunities.”

The Kebbi State ex-governor noted that the renewed national focus reflects the strategic vision of President Bola Tinubu, whose administration had prioritised structural reforms to correct historical inefficiencies and unlock high-impact sectors across the economy.

Currently contributing about five percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the sector, according to the Minister, has the capacity for rapid expansion through improved productivity.

Bagudu disclosed that the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, is leading a whole-of-government approach to livestock reform. This includes harmonising federal, state, and local government interventions to ensure consistency, scale, and measurable impact nationwide.

He explained that the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development marks a decisive institutional shift to accelerate sectoral growth, attract investment, and drive modernisation across production, processing, and distribution systems.

The minister emphasised that the government’s role is to provide a transparent, rule-based framework that enables private sector participation, while strategically deploying public resources to de-risk investments and strengthen critical infrastructure.

Bagudu commended the ACCI for its leadership in convening key actors across government, industry and development partners, describing the initiative as a strategic complement to ongoing federal reforms.

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment, the minister stressed that the livestock sector would play a defining role in the nation’s economic transformation journey.