Nigerian President Bola Tinubu hosted a high-stakes stakeholders forum at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, bringing together experts in the livestock value chain to brainstorm ways to harness its potentials. The meeting comes after Tinubu’s recent creation of the Livestock Ministry, a move aimed at championing reforms in the sector.
Tinubu has pledged to overhaul the often-neglected livestock sector, with plans to reduce an annual import bill of $1.5 billion and stimulate economic growth by creating jobs. Speaking at the Stakeholders Consultative Workshop, he expressed frustration at Nigeria’s failure to meet basic nutritional needs, citing the country’s inability to provide school children with milk.
In his keynote address, Tinubu stated, “It’s about time that we do it right. A country of over 200 million people cannot serve our children one pint of milk in the classroom per day.” He expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, assuring them that they will not regret investing in the sector.
The President highlighted the livestock industry as a significant opportunity for economic development, stating that it can contribute to Nigeria’s GDP and provide decent jobs. While acknowledging past oversights in investment opportunities, Tinubu emphasized his administration’s commitment to creating an environment where the business can thrive.
Regarding his vision for the livestock sector, Tinubu aims to transition from a subsistence model to a thriving commercial industry. “Yes, we can do it; we can bring prosperity to our people,” he declared. He also commended the newly formed Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee for their efforts, reiterating that there is no excuse for neglecting the sector any longer.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, praised Tinubu’s initiatives, stating that they will enhance food security and mitigate conflicts between herders and farmers. He assured of full support from subnational governments, saying, “I want to assure you 100% buy-in of subnationals to make this a success.”
The stakeholders forum marks a significant step towards unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s livestock sector, and Tinubu’s administration is committed to driving reforms forward. As the country works towards a more prosperous future, one thing is clear: the livestock sector will play a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s economic destiny.
