Federal Ministry of Livestock Development Targets Middlemen to Stabilize Prices and Boost Producer Earnings

Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha announces new direct-to-market linkages and live-weight pricing to fix livestock costs and eliminate predatory middlemen in Nigeria.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 6:15 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP News

Strategic Decoupling of Middlemen from the Livestock Value Chain

The Federal Government is intensifying its efforts to restructure Nigeria’s livestock market by curbing the dominance of middlemen. In a statement released by the Ministry of Livestock Development on March 31, 2026, Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha highlighted that intermediaries currently distort market prices, leading to a system where producers perform the bulk of the labor for minimal profit while consumers face inflated costs. The government’s new priority is to establish direct connections between livestock producers, processors, abattoirs, and bulk buyers to streamline the supply chain.

Standardizing Transactions with Live-Weight Pricing

To eliminate the arbitrary and often unfair pricing methods currently used in livestock markets, the Ministry is preparing to introduce a formal live-weight pricing system. This initiative aims to standardize transactions, ensuring that farmers are compensated based on the actual weight and quality of their animals rather than through opaque negotiations with middlemen. Minister Maiha noted that this transparency is essential for stabilizing the market and encouraging more consistent investment in the sector.

Modernizing Production and Reducing Conflict

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to transitioning the industry from traditional open grazing to structured, modern livestock production systems. This shift is intended to improve overall productivity, enhance animal health management, and significantly reduce the recurring conflicts associated with nomadic grazing. By moving toward ranching and organized pasture development, the Ministry hopes to create a more predictable and secure environment for both local farmers and international investors.