Nigeria’s livestock industry, estimated to be worth ₦33 trillion, has significant economic potential, yet it contributes less than 3% to the nation’s GDP, according to the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reform. The country boasts a substantial livestock population of 821 million, including cattle (58 million), goats (124 million), sheep (60 million), pigs (16 million), and poultry (563 million birds).
Despite this vast domestic livestock base, Nigeria remains heavily reliant on imports, particularly in the dairy and poultry subsectors. The country spends approximately $1.5 billion (₦2.3 trillion) annually on milk imports, attracting international dairy industry players. Similarly, Nigeria imports poultry meat from South Africa, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, even though NAFDAC has banned frozen poultry imports due to concerns over smuggling and food safety compliance.
Government’s Strategic Moves to Strengthen Livestock Production
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has disclosed that the government is forging international partnerships to boost investment in meat processing, dairy production, animal health, feed production, and cold chain logistics. Over 12 countries have engaged in discussions to strengthen Nigeria’s livestock sector and enhance regional and global export potential.
Additionally, the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) has identified Nigeria and Kenya as key livestock market hubs, launching the African Pastoral Market Development Platform to streamline cross-border trade and improve pastoral communities’ livelihoods across West and East Africa.
$2.5 Billion Brazil Investment to Kickstart Meat Processing Industry
One of the most significant international investments secured under President Tinubu’s administration is a $2.5 billion agreement with JBS S.A., the world’s largest meat processing company. This deal will establish six large-scale meat processing plants in Nigeria, focusing on beef, poultry, and pig production. The project is expected to generate over 50,000 jobs and position Nigeria as an export hub for meat products to the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa.
Source- Daily Trust
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
Nigeria’s livestock sector holds immense economic potential but remains largely underutilized. Despite having a livestock population of 821 million and an estimated ₦33 trillion market value, its contribution to GDP is less than 3%, signaling inefficiencies in production, processing, and market structures. The country’s reliance on imported milk ($1.5 billion annually) and poultry further highlights the gap between domestic production and demand.
Recent government initiatives, including the $2.5 billion JBS investment in meat processing and Nigeria’s recognition as a key livestock hub by AU-IBAR, present opportunities to revamp the industry. However, achieving sustainable growth will require addressing systemic challenges and optimizing market linkages.
Untapped Economic Potential in Livestock
Despite its estimated ₦33 trillion market value, Nigeria’s livestock sector contributes less than 3% to GDP, highlighting inefficiencies in production, value addition, and market linkages.
A structured investment in modern processing facilities, breed improvement, feed quality, and cold chain infrastructure is critical to unlocking its full potential.
Over-Reliance on Imports Undermines Local Productivity
The $1.5 billion spent annually on milk imports indicates gaps in local dairy production. Addressing low milk yields, poor pasture quality, and inadequate processing facilities could reduce dependency on imports while creating jobs in the dairy value chain.
The continued illegal circulation of frozen poultry despite NAFDAC’s ban shows that local production isn’t meeting demand, reinforcing the need for scalable commercial poultry farms and effective border controls.
Game-Changing Investments in Meat Processing
The $2.5 billion JBS investment marks a significant step toward industrializing Nigeria’s meat sector, creating jobs, and boosting exports.
However, the success of these processing plants depends on securing quality livestock supply, meaning farmer support programs and livestock disease control measures must be prioritized.
Cross-Border Trade Opportunities
Nigeria’s recognition as a livestock trade hub by AU-IBAR opens up prospects for regional trade, particularly with Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
Harmonizing veterinary standards, improving transportation logistics, and tackling smuggling will be crucial to maximizing this opportunity.
Key Takeaway for Stakeholders
While Nigeria has the livestock numbers to sustain a thriving meat and dairy industry, low productivity, poor infrastructure, and policy gaps remain major barriers. Strategic investments, stronger enforcement of import bans, and regional trade collaboration could position Nigeria as a leading livestock powerhouse in Africa and beyond.”
