Market News

The federal government has moved to full-scale implementation of its livestock sector reforms, signalling a shift from policy design to measurable outcomes in food security, nutrition, and economic growth.

This position was outlined by Idi Mukhtar Maiha, minister,  Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, during a panel session at the 3rd Nigeria Public Relations Week 2026 in Kaduna, where stakeholders focused on converting strategy into tangible impact across Africa’s food value chain.

The forum, held at the newly inaugurated Kaduna State Banquet Hall, brought together policymakers, communication experts and industry leaders to examine how strategic communication can accelerate food policy execution, production and sector branding.

ministry, MukhtarIn a statement from the ministry, Mukhtar said the establishment of the ministry of livestock development marks a structural break from decades of underperformance, with renewed focus on unlocking an estimated $32bn livestock economy.

“For over 60 years, the livestock sector operated largely outside the formal economy. We are now mainstreaming its potential and translating it into real value for Nigerians,” he said.

He explained that current implementation efforts are targeting productivity gains across the value chain, including animal health systems, feed optimisation, market access and value addition.

Mukhtar linked the reforms to nutrition outcomes, noting that Nigeria’s consumption levels of milk and meat remain among the lowest in Africa.

“We are not just projecting potential. We are taking steps to improve access to animal protein and ensure more balanced diets for Nigerians,” he said.

He also challenged prevailing perceptions of agriculture, describing livestock as a high-frequency value sector with daily revenue streams.

“Livestock is not a fallback option. It is a continuous production system with returns from milk, meat, eggs and leather,” he added.

Panelists at the session stressed the need to align policy with field realities. Brylyne Chitsunge, ambassador, Food Security in Africa, highlighted gaps in disease control, feed systems and productivity that require coordinated execution.

Arik Karani, president, Africa Public Relations Association, said communication will be critical in repositioning agriculture as a viable economic pathway, calling for early education and cultural reorientation to shift public perception.

Demo Kalla, professor, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, advocated curriculum reforms and stronger integration of research, data and technology into modern farming systems.

In a key outcome, Ike Neliaku, president and chairman of governing council, NIPR, announced plans to establish an agriculture and food security hub to strengthen stakeholder engagement, communication and knowledge exchange in support of sector growth.

The government’s push signals an execution phase for livestock reforms, with emphasis on productivity, nutrition and value chain expansion as core drivers of economic impact.