Nigeria begins baby-steps to harness N33trn livestock industry with $2.5bn Brazilian investment commitment

• To transform Obudu Cattle Ranch into livestock, dairy production hub

Ben Eguzozie

Nigeria is soon to take baby-steps to utilising its livestock industry, with potential worth some N33 trillion, according to latest data from the ministry of livestock development. This move would draw largely from an incoming $2.5 billion investment commitment from some Brazilian investors, who intend to undertake livestock sector innovation and expansion in Nigeria.

In another development, the Federal Government and Cross River State are set to transform the Obudu Cattle Ranch into a livestock and dairy production hub, as part of the larger national accelerated livestock sector innovation and expansion.

Obudu Cattle Ranch, part of a multi-billion-dollar mountaintop agro-ecotourism business, with capacity to generate huge foreign exchange accretion via tourism offering, has been described by the minister of livestock development, Idi Muktar Maiha, as a “low-hanging fruit” for the federal government’s ambitious livestock transformation agenda.

The minister reaffirmed that the cattle ranch has the potential to become a major player in Nigeria’s beef and dairy industry. The ranch houses European species of cows fit for sustainable large-scale milk and dairy production,

Governor Bassey Otu while receiving the minister of livestock development, Maiha in Calabar, said, “Nigeria’s economic future depends on our ability to fully harness our agricultural and livestock resources. Large-scale investments in agriculture will enhance food security, create jobs, and boost foreign exchange earnings”.

The minister outlined the federal government’s strategy to modernize the livestock sector, including improved livestock management systems, strengthened disease control measures, and expansion of rural infrastructure to support livestock farming.

Nigeria’s livestock industry, a vital part of the country’s economy, provides food, jobs, and leather products. It includes cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and pigs. It contributes to 10% of the country’s agricultural GDP, providing about 36.5% of the protein consumed in Nigerian households.

As of 2022, Nigeria’s livestock population included: 258.5 million chickens, 137.4 million goats and sheep, 20.9 million cattle, and 9.2 million pigs. A 2019 study by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) projected that Nigeria’s livestock population would increase significantly between 2012 and 2050. The poultry population would grow by over 500%. However, the study also predicted that the demand for livestock products would increase by over 3% annually.

However, challenges exist for the country’s livestock industry such as, the demand for feed and water to raise animals puts pressure on natural resources. There are challenges for livestock-environment and livestock-human health. The small ruminant meat and milk value chains are poorly developed. Also, many farmers are isolated from the end-market (consumers).

Other problems include overgrazing, which leads to loss of vegetation, soil, and biodiversity, herder-farmer conflicts, smallholder farmers still dominate the livestock sector, with men playing major roles.

Governor Otu commended the federal government’s commitment to transforming the Obudu Cattle Ranch into a major hub for livestock and dairy production in Nigeria, describing the initiative as a welcome development.

He highlighted Obudu’s unique climate, rich biodiversity, and vast landmass as key advantages for large-scale livestock farming and dairy production.

The Cross River governor underscored that global economic shifts provide an opportunity for Nigeria to expand its agricultural exports and attract agribusiness investments. He urged stakeholders to leverage agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, shifting from subsistence farming to large-scale commercial production.  He said Cross River was committed to agricultural expansion, citing the state’s thriving cocoa sector as an example of strategic investment in agriculture. He called for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to attract investment and modernise the agricultural value chain.

“We seek increased investments in local communities to ensure that development is sustainable and inclusive. As international funding from institutions like the World Bank begins to support large-scale agricultural transformation, Cross River State must be a priority beneficiary,” he added.

Maiha emphasized that the success of these initiatives would require robust partnerships between federal and state governments, traditional rulers, and pastoralist organizations, ensuring that policies translate into tangible benefits for local communities and drive national economic growth.

With the Federal Government’s renewed focus on agriculture and livestock development, the revitalization of Obudu Cattle Ranch presents a unique opportunity for economic transformation in Cross River State. Governor Otu’s administration remains committed to partnering with federal authorities and private investors to fully harness the state’s agricultural potential, delivering long-term benefits for farmers, entrepreneurs, and the broader economy.