The Federal Government has restated that the Ministry of Livestock Development’s growing partnerships and investments are practical steps that will soon bring clear benefits to Nigerians. This assurance was given during the maiden National Council on Livestock Development, which opened in Yola, Adamawa State, on Monday, 24 November 2025. The event placed special focus on the message delivered in the keynote address, where the Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Reforms, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said Nigeria must turn conflict drivers into economic opportunities by reorganising farmer–pastoralist corridors into structured fodder production hubs that will engage youth farmers and herders.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, explained that the inauguration of the council signals a new era for the livestock sector built on collaboration, innovation, and private-sector-led growth. She noted that the sector is moving into a phase where new ideas and modern systems will shape productivity, investment, and long-term stability.
Speaking at the opening session, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, highlighted progress made by the Ministry since its establishment 16 months ago. He said several bilateral and private-sector engagements have matured into concrete expressions of interest, with companies preparing targeted investments across important value chains such as dairy, beef, fodder, small ruminants, animal breeding, poultry, piggery, and animal identification.
According to him, “We will see the physical manifestation of these engagements in a few months,” stressing that development partners are already supporting dairy development, peacebuilding programmes, and climate-smart livestock production. He added that these efforts bring real hope for pastoralists, farmers, and rural households who have waited for better incomes, safer grazing conditions, and stronger animal health systems.
Maiha further explained that the Council was created to coordinate national strategies, strengthen collaboration, attract new investments, and position the livestock sector as a major contributor to economic diversification, food security, peacebuilding, and rural development.
He said the Ministry aims to support the transition of Nigeria’s livestock industry from a conflict-prone, traditional system into a modern and sustainable enterprise capable of expanding its contribution to the national economy from the current 32 billion dollars to 74 billion dollars by 2035, guided by the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy and the National Livestock Master Plan.
He encouraged all stakeholders to work together and make the livestock sector a “beacon of prosperity, a source of national pride, shared progress, peace, and food security for all Nigerians.”
In a goodwill message, the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaletapwa George Farauta, described livestock as an important pillar of the state’s economy. He recalled that Adamawa created a dedicated Ministry for Livestock Development more than 20 years ago. He appealed for support to expand the state’s Pilot Ranch Project under the National Livestock Transformation Plan, saying Adamawa has remained a leading example in demonstrating workable ranching systems.
Goodwill messages also came from the Chairman, Senate Committee on Livestock Development, Senator Musa Mustapha; Chairman, House Committee on Livestock, Hon. Tasir Olawale Raji; Adamawa State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Alhaji Tijani Maksha; and several development partners. After the session, dignitaries visited an exhibition area displaying livestock products, innovations, and services.
