The Federal Government has announced plans to recruit approximately 37,000 youths into livestock farming as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Initiative on Youths and Livestock Development.
During a recent meeting with a delegation from the Brazilian JBS S.A Executive Group in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha explained that the investment partnership would focus on youths with a genuine passion for livestock farming.
In his presentation, he stated, “Regarding the out-grower system, we are targeting young farmers. The initiative will work strictly with those passionate about livestock in each state.”
He further elaborated, “By recruiting 1,000 youths from each state, that totals 37000 youths. We will profile them, provide training, build their capacity and connect them to financial institutions and input sources, which will facilitate massive forage and fodder production in collaboration with state governments.”
The minister also noted that the recruitment would be inclusive of women and would concentrate on pasture cultivation and breeding. He mentioned that some state governors have agreed to provide land, while the Federal Government will supply seedlings.
In terms of breed improvement, the Minister outlined three methods: using live bulls, artificial insemination and a combination of embryo transfer with multiple egg harvesting. Typically, 8 to 9 eggs are fertilised to achieve a 100 per cent success rate.
“However,” he added, “this method is feasible only in a ranch setting where a competent manager can oversee the process and ensure a sufficient supply of feed. This controlled environment accelerates the production of desirable bulls by favouring a higher ratio of females, ultimately enhancing reproduction.”
In his presentation, the minister also provided an overview of Nigeria’s livestock population, noting there are 20.9 million cattle, 49.1 million sheep, 88.2 million goats, 258.5 million poultry and 9.2 million pigs.
Minister Maiha further emphasised that the investment partnership would implement disease control measures specifically targeting swine fever, anthrax and other illnesses.
He confirmed that the pig industry is a critical component of the initiative, noting that discussions have already occurred with the Benue State governor due to the state’s significant involvement in piggery.
CEO of the Brazilian JBS S.A Executive Group, Ricardo Lacerda stated that Brazil plans to develop around 200,000 ranching operations for beef, a model that will be replicated in other states.
He remarked that while the chicken industry is more advanced than the beef sector, the scale of chicken operations, including broiler production, will be determined as the project progresses.
In a statement from the ministry’s director of information and public relations, Ben Bem Goong, Lacerda assured that extensive collaboration would be pursued as long as there is sufficient land and he mentioned that another technical group would be sent for further discussions.
