The Minister of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD), Idi Maiha has assured that the ministry will increase its contribution to Nigeria’s GDP from the current 5 per cent to 10 per cent by 2030, positioning itself as a key player in both domestic and international markets for animal protein.
Speaking at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, Maiha emphasised that the ministry is committed to unlocking economic opportunities, ensuring food security and creating a sustainable future for Nigerians who rely on livestock for their livelihoods.
He outlined the ministry’s strategic pillars, which include livestock value chain development, genetic improvement, animal health control, feed and fodder production, water resource management, finance and insurance, infrastructure development, waste management, peacebuilding, security and social cohesion, livestock extension services, youth and women empowerment and data-driven policymaking.
According to him, these efforts will enhance policy formulation, market intelligence and disease control, ensuring sustainable growth in the livestock sector.
Maiha noted that Nigeria’s livestock industry has traditionally relied on indigenous breeding practices that optimize productivity. However, he revealed plans to diversify and enhance genetic resources for better yields.
“We are also going to diversify our indigenous genetics,” he stated.
He further disclosed that Nigeria’s livestock sector is valued at over ₦33 trillion, making it one of the country’s most significant yet underutilised economic assets.
To modernise the sector, the ministry has established the National Livestock Identification and Traceability System (NLITS) to tackle cattle rustling and tracking challenges. The system will provide accurate data on Nigeria’s livestock population, support disease monitoring and control, facilitate compliance with international trade regulations, and strengthen security measures against livestock-related crimes.
In a bid to improve food safety and enhance revenue, the minister announced that all cows slaughtered in Abuja must be processed in regulated abattoirs to prevent contamination.
“This approach also has significant business benefits. For instance, slaughtering 200 cows in an abattoir can generate substantial revenue from blood sales, with each cow producing 30 litres of blood, valued at 1,000 Riyals per litre. Additionally, solid waste can be converted into biogas to power the abattoir,” he explained.
He further highlighted other valuable by-products from cattle, including bone marrow sold for human consumption, bile exported to China, hooves and horns crushed into calcium for animal feed or exported and red meat which accounts for 55 per cent of a cow’s total value.
The government also aims to eliminate unhygienic slaughter practices, such as burning animal skin with kerosene or ginger oil, which pose health risks to consumers.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris urged the media to report responsibly, ensuring accurate dissemination of information.
“We expect Nigerian media – and all media organisations – to report this with the uttermost care. Nigeria comes first and whatever we do, the interests of our country remain paramount,” he stated.
