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By Daniel Adaji
The Federal Government has unveiled a 15-year National Livestock Master Plan (NLMP) designed to reposition the livestock sector as a driver of food security, rural prosperity, and national economic growth.
The investment roadmap, developed in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), was presented to the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and the National Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Dr. Sanusi Abubakar.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, directors, and other senior officials were also in attendance, alongside an ILRI delegation led by Senior Agricultural Economist, Dr. Dolapo Enahoro.
Speaking at the ceremony on Friday, Maiha described the NLMP as “not merely a document, but a blueprint for transformation,” stressing that it reflects government’s resolve to make livestock development a cornerstone of national growth.
“Nigeria’s livestock sector contributes about 17 per cent of agricultural GDP and 5 per cent of national GDP. It sustains millions of livelihoods and remains critical to food and nutrition security. Yet, for decades, challenges such as low productivity, recurring disease outbreaks, poor infrastructure, and limited market access have undermined its potential.
“The National Livestock Master Plan is our response to these challenges, a 15-year investment plan that provides a strategic pathway for sustainable growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and inclusive prosperity,” he said.
The Minister cited Tanzania’s Livestock Master Plan, developed with ILRI’s support in 2018, which attracted more than $624 million in research investment and triggered private sector participation.
“Tanzania’s experience proves that robust planning, backed by government commitment, can unlock massive potential. With this NLMP, Nigeria now has a tested roadmap to mobilise investments, attract partnerships, and implement evidence-based interventions across priority value chains,” he added.
Presenting the technical details, Dr. Sirak Bahta of ILRI said the plan was developed through 24 months of research, policy analysis, and consultations, aligning with Nigeria’s Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS). He explained that the NLMP prioritises cattle, poultry, small ruminants, pigs, and feed systems, with strategies for breeding and genetics, animal health, feed and pasture development, market access, and research coordination.
According to him, the plan projects that without intervention, Nigeria’s rising demand for meat, milk, and eggs will surpass domestic supply, worsening import dependence. However, with targeted measures, the country can meet demand, cut imports, and position itself as a regional livestock hub.
“The NLMP is not just about technical inputs, but about creating an enabling environment where policies, investments, and innovations converge to drive sustainable change,” Bahta stressed.
The roadmap also seeks to tackle feed shortages through expanded pasture cultivation, floodplain grazing systems, and modernised feedlots, which could boost productivity by up to 40 percent. It proposes genetic improvement through community breeding programmes while protecting indigenous species.
On animal health, Bahta said raising vaccination coverage to 75 per cent and training community animal health workers could reduce mortality rates by 65 per cent, thereby protecting household incomes and improving food safety.
He also emphasised gender inclusion, noting that women play vital roles in dairy, poultry, and small ruminant value chains. He recommended targeted financing and technology adoption to increase women’s productivity.