Nigeria imports 65 per cent of the livestock consumed annually, despite having strong potential for red meat production and export valued at over N3.2 billion, according to the Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Maiha.
The minister made this known while defending the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Livestock Development.
Nigeria’s Livestock Import Dependence
Maiha revealed that although Nigeria has vast agricultural resources and grazing potential, the country still relies heavily on livestock imports to meet domestic demand.
He noted that the red meat export value potential stands at N3.2 billion, indicating significant untapped opportunities in the livestock sector.
The minister also disclosed funding challenges affecting the ministry’s operations:
- Out of N70 billion approved as take-off funds in 2024, only N20 billion was released.
- The N10 billion capital allocation for 2025 was not released.
These funding shortfalls, he said, have slowed the implementation of strategic livestock development programmes.
Lawmakers Decry Poor Funding
Members of the National Assembly Joint Committee expressed concern over what they described as “lip service” to livestock sector development, especially after the ministry was established in 2024 to drive economic diversification.
Senator Tahir Monguno said the poor funding contradicted the Federal Government’s intention behind creating the ministry.
“Establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development in 2024 was driven by the gospel of diversification of the nation’s economy. It is, therefore, to my surprise and disgust that we are paying lip service to the livestock sector now,” he stated.
Similarly, Senator Abdul Ningi alleged possible sabotage behind the zero capital allocation and urged that President Bola Tinubu be informed for urgent intervention.
“This is a ministry that must be supported and well funded by the federal government. I am suspecting sabotage on the zero capital allocation because Mr President meant well for livestock development,” Ningi said.
Call for Urgent Presidential Intervention
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Buba Shehu, stressed that reliance on a mono-sector economy is unsustainable.
Lawmakers urged the committee leadership to formally communicate with President Tinubu to secure increased funding and strengthen the ministry’s capacity to:
- Boost local livestock production
- Reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported livestock
- Promote red meat export potential
- Support rural development and job creation
They noted that countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Belgium have successfully diversified their economies through strong livestock industries.
Economic Diversification Through Livestock Development
The Ministry of Livestock Development was created in 2024 as part of broader efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy beyond oil. However, persistent funding gaps threaten the realization of its mandate.
With 65% of livestock consumption currently imported, stakeholders argue that increased government support could transform the sector into a major contributor to GDP, foreign exchange earnings, and food security.
The committee pledged to push for adequate budgetary allocation to ensure Nigeria harnesses its full livestock potential and reduces reliance on imports.
