Neglecting Livestock Farming was a mistake, says Tinubu, as major reforms unfold

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has reassured the public that past mistakes, such as neglecting livestock farming and relying on dairy imports, will not be repeated.

He pledged a strong framework to revitalise the sector, boosting confidence in his commitment to its development.

The President, while opening a two-day Consultative Workshop on Livestock Reforms at the State House Conference Centre on Thursday in Abuja, promised government’s support in revitalising and repositioning the sector to create jobs and attract foreign direct investment (FDI).

“The livestock sector is critical, and we will give all it needs to bring value to our country. Stakeholders, I assure you that you will not regret the collaboration and investment in this sector.”

He continued, “It is about time that we do it right. A country of over 200 million people, and we cannot serve our children one pint of milk in a classroom per day? That is not right.

“We didn’t see the investment opportunities. We didn’t see the economy of livestock in the past. Now that we have seen it, we must work together to restart the sector.’’

President Tinubu praised the Presidential Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, led by Co-Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega and Secretary Prof. Muhammed Yahaya Kuta, for their dedication to repositioning the livestock sector.

“Our shared mission is clear: we aim to transform the livestock sector from its current subsistence model into a thriving, commercialised industry, one that significantly contributes to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and provides decent jobs and sustainable livelihoods for our growing population.

“The potential is immense: With 563 million chickens, 58 million cattle, 124 million goats, 60 million sheep, and 16 million pigs, Nigeria is the leading livestock producer in West Africa. Yet, despite this vast resource, we face stark realities.

“Our annual production of animal-source foods, such as milk at 0.7 billion litres, meat at 1.48 million tonnes, and eggs at 0.69 million metric tonnes, falls far short of our needs. Our per capita consumption levels—8.7 litres of milk, 9 kg of meat, and 45 eggs per year—are troublingly low compared to global averages of 44 litres of milk, 19 kg of meat, and between 160 and 180 eggs per year.

“What worries me most is the average milk yield from cows managed by our pastoralists, which is only 0.5 to 1.5 litres per day, compared to a global average of 6.6 litres per day. We can do much better!

“The long-term neglect of the livestock sector has burdened the country’s import bills, with milk and dairy products accounting for $1.2-1.5 billion annually.

“Yes, we can do it. We can bring prosperity to our people. We can feed our children. From grass, we can achieve grace. We can contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide decent jobs,’’ the President remarked.

President Tinubu also expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), chaired by the Governor of Kwara State, Abdurrahman Abdulrazaq, for supporting the reform of animal farming in the country.

“Your Excellency, Chairman of the NGF, Abdulrazaq, thank you for assuring Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) and other instruments from other areas. I also know that the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, with the vast land in his domain in Niger State, will accommodate many investors.

“We didn’t see the cold room investment. We didn’t see that opportunity before now. But it is coming. We are going to give it all it takes.

“The opportunity is there; when I inaugurated the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee, I didn’t see the path clearly until they started working. Thank you, Prof. Attahiru Jega,’’ the President stated.

He also acknowledged Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for nurturing the idea of livestock reform, as well as Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, and Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for their dedication to realising this vision.

“We can create a vivid picture of the future we want to see—it’s the future of our country. The economic opportunities for our children, and with that effort, we can say God bless Nigeria,’’ he added.

The Chairman of NGF, Abdulrazaq, assured the President of the “100 per cent buy-in from the subnational governments to make the reform a success, as it is not just about food security, but national security.”

Abdulrazaq thanked President Tinubu for leading the initiative by chairing the implementation committee, lamenting that past efforts were often reduced to files in the Ministries of Agriculture at state and local levels due to a lack of political will.

He advocated for each state to establish a segment for livestock farming and extend the value chain to meat and dairy production.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, also commended the President for his “bold action, exemplary leadership, and unparalleled commitment to livestock reform.”

Kyari pledged to work closely with the Ministry of Livestock Development to realise the President’s vision of diversifying the economy and empowering more Nigerians.