October 6, 2025
With a view to transforming the agricultural sector, boosting food security, and creating jobs through livestock-driven growth, the federal government has introduced a new Livestock Development Policy.
The Presidency announced this in a statement issued on Monday, following the unveiling of the policy at the Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO, Global Forum for Animal Feed and Feed Regulators held in Rome, Italy, where the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, represented Nigeria.
According to the statement, the new livestock policy aligns with the administration’s commitment to strengthening food security, tackling poverty, and promoting rural development through a modernized initiative.
“Nigeria has unveiled its new Livestock Development Policy at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Global Forum for Animal Feed and Feed Regulators in Rome, marking a major milestone in the country’s agricultural reform agenda.
READ MORE; FG Unveils Agric Reforms With Potential To Create 21m Jobs.
“Representing Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the creation of the new ministry reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to strengthen food security, create jobs, reduce poverty, and foster rural development through livestock-driven growth,” the statement read in part.
The statement emphasized that the central focus of the policy is the improvement of animal feed and fodder systems, identified as the backbone of a resilient livestock industry.
Through enhancing feed quality and supply chains, the initiative seeks to increase productivity, improve animal health, and expand access to protein-rich foods essential for combating malnutrition.
The policy also aims to drive innovation and efficiency in livestock management through the adoption of modern technologies and stronger collaboration among farmers, feed producers, processors, and private investors.
READ MORE; FG Set To Strengthen Bank of Agriculture For Economic Stability.
Maiha emphasized that sustainable feed production could serve as a catalyst for economic transformation, improving farmers’ earnings and strengthening rural livelihoods.
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to international best practices in livestock development and feed regulation by presenting its strategy at the FAO Global Forum, The Presidency added that the new policy marks a significant step toward repositioning livestock as a key driver in agricultural modernization and food security.
The Federal Government has also recently embarked on a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s agricultural education system aside the unveiling of the new livestock policy.
The move is part of broader efforts to boost food production and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
The reform is being jointly implemented by the Federal Ministries of Education and Agriculture and Food Security, with focus on modernizing the nation’s agricultural curriculum
