Nigeria’s livestock industry is poised for a major overhaul as the National Council on Livestock Development (NCLD) held its inaugural meeting in Yola on November 24, 2025.
Spark News Naija reports that the council, chaired by Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha, gathered stakeholders to address challenges and chart a path toward a modern, sustainable sector under the theme “Livestock Rebirth: Accelerating Renewed Hope.”
In his keynote address, the Minister emphasized the need for unity among states to tackle issues such as breed improvement, infrastructure, and farmer-herder conflicts.
Maiha unveiled the achievements in policy, partnerships, and infrastructure, urging states to establish breeding centers and promote ranching to boost productivity and reduce clashes.
“Investments in the livestock value chain will ensure food security, job creation, and poverty reduction,” Maiha said.
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri noted the state’s efforts, including rehabilitating 69 grazing reserves and building artificial insemination centers, and appealed for federal support to finalize a Natural Resource Fund Grant Application to improve livestock productivity.
Permanent Secretary Chinyere Akujobi described the NCLD as a platform to align efforts with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritizing food security and economic growth. Participants, including governors, lawmakers, and traditional leaders, pledged to implement the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS).
The council’s decisions are expected to drive Nigeria’s livestock transformation, reduce imports, enhance food security, and create jobs.
The meeting also had in attendance, the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Prof. Kaletapwa G. Farauta, Chairman, Senate Committee on Livestock Development, Sen. Musa Mustapha, Chairman, House Committee on Livestock Development, Hon. Tasir Olawale Raji,
Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Reforms, Prof. Attahiru Muhammadu Jega,
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Hon. Idris Abiola-Ajimobi, and Royal Fathers/Traditional Leaders.