The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has launched a 15-year National Livestock Master Plan (NLMP), designed to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector into a key driver of food security, job creation, and rural prosperity.

Developed in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the plan provides a strategic roadmap for sustainable growth, poverty reduction, and economic diversification.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, described the NLMP as a “blueprint for transformation,” saying it reflects the Federal Government’s determination to reposition the livestock sector as a cornerstone of national development.

He noted that the sector contributes about 17 percent of agricultural GDP and 5 percent of national GDP, sustaining millions of livelihoods, but faces challenges such as low productivity, disease outbreaks, poor infrastructure, and limited market access.

Referencing Tanzania’s success with a similar master plan, which attracted over \$624 million in research investment, Maiha said Nigeria’s plan aims to unlock comparable potential with robust planning and government commitment.

Dr. Sirak Bahta of ILRI, who led the technical development of the NLMP, said it was the product of 24 months of research and stakeholder engagement.

The plan targets priority value chains, including cattle, poultry, small ruminants, pigs, and feed systems, outlining strategies for breeding, animal health, and market access.

Bahta warned that without timely intervention, Nigeria’s demand for meat, milk, and eggs could outpace domestic supply, increasing import dependence.

However, he said targeted interventions could enable the country to not only meet domestic demand but also emerge as a regional livestock hub.

He explained that the plan focuses on expanding pasture cultivation and modernizing feedlots to raise productivity by up to 40 percent.

It also emphasizes genetic improvement, wider vaccination coverage, training of community animal health workers, and strengthening disease surveillance to cut animal mortality rates by 65 percent.

Bahta stressed the importance of gender inclusion, noting the crucial role women play in livestock value chains and recommending targeted financing and technology adoption to improve their productivity.