Federal Government Unveils $50 Billion Private Sector Investment to Expand Nigeria’s Livestock Economy

Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha unveils a $50bn livestock investment plan as Nigeria joins AU efforts to unlock Africa's $3.4 trillion animal resource economy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 3:36 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Nation

Aggressive Expansion Targets Under the National Growth Strategy

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a massive $50 billion private sector backed investment programme designed to overhaul the nation’s livestock industry. Supported by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the initiative seeks to increase the sector’s valuation from $32 billion to $74 billion. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated that this movement aligns directly with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy. He noted that the future of the sector depends on bold, private sector led investments that can modernize agro processing and animal health.

Integrating Trade Within the African Continental Framework

Beyond national borders, Nigeria is working with the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) to unlock a continental livestock market currently estimated at $3.4 trillion. As Africa’s population reaches approximately 1.2 billion, demand for meat and livestock products is expected to skyrocket. AU-IBAR projections suggest the continent’s meat market could surpass $100 billion by 2034. Stakeholders are focusing on the African Continental Free Trade Area as the primary vehicle for integrating these regional livestock value chains and boosting cross border investment.

Priority Value Chains and the Push for Non Oil Exports

Minister Maiha has identified red meat, dairy, and leather as the primary priority areas for immediate development and investment. These sectors are viewed as essential for reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports while simultaneously expanding the country’s reach in the global export market. NACCIMA President Jani Ibrahim echoed this sentiment, describing the initiative as a critical step toward repositioning the industry to boost GDP and create jobs. Ibrahim emphasized that while the government provides the environment, it is the private sector that must scale and sustain this economic growth.