Nigeria to launch commercial pasture production to boost livestock sector — Minister

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has announced a strategic push for commercial pasture production aimed at advancing Nigeria’s livestock sector. Maiha said several nations have adopted commercial pasture production as a viable business model, creating opportunities for individuals eager to enter the livestock industry. The minister spoke weekend during a meeting with […]

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has announced a strategic push for commercial pasture production aimed at advancing Nigeria’s livestock sector.

Maiha said several nations have adopted commercial pasture production as a viable business model, creating opportunities for individuals eager to enter the livestock industry.

The minister spoke weekend during a meeting with community leaders and herders in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“The livestock sector in Nigeria holds vast potential,” he said, emphasising the substantial opportunities in the field.

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“Currently, Nigeria is home to over 20 million cows, 80 million goats, and approximately 50 million sheep, along with poultry, fish, pigs, donkeys, horses, rabbits, and bees, all under the purview of the ministry,” he said.

He urged peaceful coexistence to foster a productive environment for livestock growth.

“Development is impossible without peace,” he stressed, adding that President Tinubu’s administration is fully committed to revitalising the livestock sector-a commitment marked by the recent establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, a first in Nigeria’s history,” he said.

Addressing the nation’s dairy challenges, he said, “Today, the average Nigerian cow produces barely a litre of milk. We are optimistic that, through genetic improvement in breeding, we can elevate this to the global average of 6.6 litres per cow.”

Maiha also underscored the importance of developing grazing reserves equipped with modern husbandry facilities to attract herders, and he noted the ministry’s intention to enhance legislative frameworks to attract both foreign and local investments in dairy and beef production.

“These initiatives are expected to drive substantial growth in the sector, including job creation for our youth. We are committed to vigorously pursuing commercial pasture production,” the minister affirmed.

At the event, community leader Aldon Alhaji Suleiman commended President Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development, expressing optimism that it would address critical challenges faced by herders across Nigeria.

He urged pastoralists to actively support the ministry in fulfilling its mission.