Private sector pushes for $3bn growth in Nigeria’s livestock industry
The livestock industry in Nigeria is set for major changes as private sector players and government stakeholders unite to unlock up to $3bn in market opportunities. Shekamang Ayuba of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development highlighted the sector’s vast scale and its critical role in supporting millions of households. Despite this, inefficiencies and infrastructure challenges persist, especially for licensed abattoirs. Experts at a recent high-level forum in Abuja stressed the need for bold investments, improved policies, and stronger market linkages to drive transformation.
TLDR
- Stakeholders are targeting a $3bn expansion in Nigeria’s livestock market through private sector-led investments.
- Shekamang Ayuba emphasized that Nigeria has about 54 million cattle and 250 million poultry birds, supporting 75 million households.
- The sector faces challenges such as low productivity, high feed costs, and reliance on imports for 60% of dairy needs.
- Licensed abattoirs struggle with unreliable utilities, high operating costs, and competition from unregulated slaughter slabs.
- Experts called for better financing, policy reforms, and investment-ready abattoirs to unlock the industry’s full potential.
