Nigeria’s ambition to more than double the livestock sector’s estimated $32bn annual contribution to the economy will require a major shift from traditional open grazing to modern, commercially viable ranching.
President Bola Tinubu recently said his administration would transform livestock from a largely subsistence activity into a technology-driven and competitive industry.
The Federal Government has established the Ministry of Livestock Development and launched strategies focused on improved genetics, animal health, commercial feed production, ranching and stronger value chains.
However, Nigeria’s large livestock population has not translated into affordable animal protein or sufficient domestic production of dairy and meat.
Experts say low productivity remains a major challenge, with poor nutrition, inadequate veterinary services, uncontrolled breeding and extensive pastoralism limiting output.
The government has identified 417 grazing reserves for possible rehabilitation and plans to establish modern livestock settlements in several states.
These initiatives could improve productivity if they are properly funded and managed. Ranching, however, must go beyond simply confining animals. It should involve quality feed, improved breeds, veterinary care, water, modern abattoirs and efficient markets.
Brazil’s livestock transformation demonstrates what investment in genetics, pasture development and agricultural science can achieve.
For Nigeria to become a major livestock producer and exporter, it must turn its ambitious plans into measurable and sustainable results.
