President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s livestock sector, emphasizing that past mistakes, such as neglecting livestock farming and relying heavily on dairy imports, will not be repeated. Speaking in Abuja at the opening of a two-day Consultative Workshop on Livestock Reforms at the State House Conference Centre, the President highlighted the importance of livestock to the nation’s economy and food security. He assured stakeholders that his government would provide the necessary framework to stimulate prosperity in the sector.
In his address, President Tinubu stressed that the livestock sector holds immense potential for creating jobs, boosting economic growth, and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). He pledged to support reforms aimed at revamping and repositioning the sector to unlock its full potential. “The livestock sector is critical, and we will give it all it needs to bring value to our country,” the President said, urging stakeholders to collaborate with the government in its efforts.
The President further noted the country’s reliance on dairy imports, highlighting the need for Nigeria to become self-sufficient in dairy production. “A country of over 200 million people cannot serve our children one pint of milk in a glass,” Tinubu remarked, underscoring the importance of developing a sustainable livestock industry that can meet the needs of Nigeria’s growing population.
Tinubu’s administration aims to implement a robust framework that will not only increase livestock production but also attract investment into the sector. He reassured stakeholders that their collaboration and investments in livestock would yield significant returns and contribute to Nigeria’s overall economic development.
The workshop on livestock reforms brings together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from the agricultural sector to discuss strategies for transforming Nigeria’s livestock industry. The President’s commitment to addressing the challenges in the sector is seen as a crucial step toward achieving food security, reducing dependence on imports, and creating economic opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil, the livestock sector presents an opportunity for growth and development. President Tinubu’s pledge to focus on this sector aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural base and ensure a more sustainable future for the country.
With this renewed focus on livestock, the administration aims to tackle key issues such as poor infrastructure, inadequate animal health services, and inefficient breeding practices, while also addressing the long-standing conflicts between farmers and herders. Through these reforms, the government hopes to position Nigeria as a leader in livestock production across Africa and ensure that the sector contributes significantly to the country’s economic prosperity.
