Given the importance the federal government attached to drive food and nutrition security through livestock sector, a committee led by Professor Attahiru Jega has been tasked with developing comprehensive reforms to transform the industry.
The committee, Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms, chaired by President Bola Tinubu, is expected to pave the way for a more structured and economically viable livestock sector in Nigeria.
When President Tinubu inaugurated the livestock reforms committee in July 2024, he charged its 25 members, co-chaired by Professor Attahiru Jega,the former INEC chairman with an ambitious mandate to reposition Nigeria’s livestock industry to meet global standards.
The committee’s task is considered monumental as it involves examining 16 key terms of reference, each designed to address various challenges and opportunities within the livestock sector.
The committee’s blueprint, which has guided their work, outlines a roadmap for significant reforms, including the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development , a move that would align Nigeria with its regional counterparts such as Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad and Kenya.
One of the committee’s primary recommendations is the creation of a Ministry of Livestock Resources, a proposal that, if implemented, could dramatically alter the landscape of Nigeria’s livestock industry.
Currently, Nigeria, despite having the largest concentration of livestock in West Africa, lacks a dedicated ministry for livestock. This has often relegated Nigeria to a secondary role in regional livestock meetings, where other countries with full-fledged ministries lead discussions and decisions.
The secretary of the committee, Professor Mohammed Yahaya Kuta, recently shed light on the committee’s efforts and the anticipated impact of their work on Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Professor Kuta highlighted the economic potential of a well-organised livestock sector, citing examples from neighbouring countries.
In Burkina Faso, for instance, the livestock sector contributes about 55 per cent to the agricultural GDP, a figure Nigeria could aspire to match or even surpass with the right institutional framework in place. Beside, the absence of a dedicated ministry has hindered Nigeria’s ability to harness its vast livestock resources fully, but this proposed reform could change that trajectory.
No doubt that Nigeria’s livestock sector faces numerous challenges, including low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of investment in modern farming techniques.
These issues have left Nigeria trailing behind countries like South Africa in terms of meat production and dairy output.
According to Professor Kuta, the committee’s report does not shy away from these challenges. It recommends comprehensive reforms aimed at improving productivity through better breeding practices, enhanced veterinary care, and investment in modern technologies.
Moreover, the report addresses the need for robust dairy production, an area where Nigeria is currently a net importer. By promoting local dairy farming and ensuring the quality of milk products, Nigeria could significantly reduce its dependence on imports and protect consumers from substandard products.
Thinking of the economic and social implications, the implementation of these reforms is expected to have far-reaching economic and social implications.
On the economic front, the development of the livestock sector could become a major driver of growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, creating jobs, boosting exports, and contributing to food security.
Likewise, the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development would also enhance Nigeria’s standing in regional and international agricultural forums, enabling the country to play a more influential role in shaping policies that affect the livestock industry.
Interms of social impact, Professor Kuta stated that the reforms could help mitigate some of the conflicts that have plagued Nigeria’s rural areas, particularly the clashes between farmers and herders.
According to him, by promoting better land management practices, improving access to water resources, and supporting ranching initiatives, the reforms could reduce competition for resources and foster more harmonious relationships between different agricultural communities.
On ranching, which remains a topic of considerable debate in Nigeria, while some stakeholders, like the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, have expressed concerns about the capital-intensive nature of ranching, Kuta however said that the committee’s report proposes a balanced approach.
He said it suggests that the reforms accommodate various scales of livestock production, from smallholder farmers to large commercial operations, ensuring that all stakeholders have a role in the reformed sector.
Professor Kuta expressed confidence that the reforms, once implemented, would bring about significant changes, not only in terms of economic benefits but also in addressing some of the broader challenges facing the country.
He noted that the committee’s work has already attracted positive attention from various stakeholders, including those involved in the animal value chain, who are eager to see the benefits of the proposed changes.
He said, “The committee’s report recommended that a Ministry of Livestock Resources be established for Nigeria, in line with global best practices, especially our neighbors, Burkina Faso, Guinea Republic, Nigeria, Chad, Kenya, they all have a Ministry of Livestock.
“But Nigeria has the highest number of concentration of livestock, but it’s not well developed. For example, while there was a video circulating, somebody said South African boar, two weeks old, weigh more than Nigeria’s six-month-old.
“Mr. President is aware of the economic potential of the livestock sector and he has read this report, and he has seen what all the issues are.”
Nigeria will take its rightful place. So what we are doing at the committee level is to look at the 16 terms of reference. One of which is to work out the modalities for the establishment of Ministry of Livestock Development.”
“Nigeria should appreciate President Bola Tinubu for this window of opportunity for Nigeria. And so, it’s not an accident. It’s a well-planned agenda for Nigeria’s agricultural system, where livestock will take its pride of place.”
But I can tell you it’s comprehensive. You will be very proud of this committee and know that it’s not only South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, or Brazil that should be leading, but Nigeria should be part of the global community in terms of livestock.”
As the committee finalises its report and prepares to submit it to President Tinubu, there is also sense of optimism among stakeholders in Nigeria’s livestock industry. The reforms proposed by the Jega-led committee are already seen as a potential game-changer that could unlock the untapped potential of Nigeria’s livestock sector.
