Nigeria attracts global interest in livestock sector after Ministry Launch

NIGERIA – Since Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu established the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, numerous countries have approached the Nigerian government with investment proposals targeting the nation’s dairy industry. 

Nations including Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Mexico, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States have expressed keen interest in partnering with Nigeria to harness its vast livestock potential.

Nigeria’s livestock population, as reported by the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reform, includes an estimated 58 million cattle, a key resource for dairy output. 

Despite this, the country’s dairy sector remains underdeveloped, contributing less than 3% to the nation’s GDP despite a livestock sector valuation of N33 trillion. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, Nigeria produces only about 700,000 metric tons of milk annually, meeting just 40% of domestic demand. 

This shortfall forces the country to spend approximately US$1.5 billion (N2.3 trillion) each year importing milk and dairy products, as highlighted by President Tinubu in October 2024. 

With milk providing essential nutrients like calcium (about 30% of daily needs per cup), protein (8 grams per cup), and vitamins D and B12, according to the USDA, this import dependency underscores a significant gap that foreign dairy players are eager to address.

Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, emphasized the ministry’s efforts to leverage these opportunities: 

“The ministry has forged strong alliances with international partners, investors, and diplomatic missions to secure technical expertise, financing, and strategic investment.” 

He noted that delegations from over 12 countries have engaged with the ministry, with a strong focus on dairy production alongside other areas like animal health and feed production. 

“It is expected that these partnerships will position Nigeria as a regional and global hub for dairy production and export,” Maiha said. 

The influx of foreign interest comes as Nigeria’s dairy demand surges, with per capita milk consumption at 10 liters annually, well below the FAO-recommended 50 liters, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (2023). 

Closing this gap could save billions in imports and boost rural economies, where 70% of livelihoods depend on livestock, per the National Bureau of Statistics (2022). 

With its 58 million cattle and strategic partnerships, Nigeria’s dairy industry stands at a pivotal moment, poised to transform from a net importer to a regional powerhouse.