FG, Niger State Align to Drive Livestock Sector Transformation

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strategic collaboration with Niger State to accelerate livestock sector transformation and position Nigeria for large-scale red meat production and export.

The Minister made this known on Thursday, March 12, 2026, while receiving a high-level delegation from the Niger State Government, led by the Commissioner for Livestock and Fisheries Development, Hon. Ibrahim Mami Ijah, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja.

Commending the delegation for its strong interest in the Federal Government’s livestock transformation agenda, Mukhtar described the visit as a demonstration of Niger State’s commitment to advancing the sector.

“This is the largest contingent we have received from any state government seeking collaboration with the Ministry. The composition and calibre of this delegation clearly show Niger State’s seriousness in repositioning the livestock sector,” the Minister said.

He noted that Niger State remains one of Nigeria’s most strategic locations for livestock production due to its vast landmass, abundant water resources and favourable agricultural environment.

“If there is any state that has what it takes to drive agriculture and livestock production in Nigeria, it is Niger State. The availability of land, water resources and the fertile deposits along the River Niger make the state exceptionally suitable for large-scale livestock development,” Mukhtar said.

The Minister disclosed that the Federal Government is already facilitating major private sector investments in the state, including a Canadian-backed genetics breeding centre and large-scale commercial fodder production projects to support feed supply for livestock operations.

He further explained that the Ministry is working towards establishing disease-free livestock production compartments, integrating cow-calf ranch operations, commercial feedlots and modern abattoirs within secured production zones.

“We are developing a model where cow-calf production, feedlots and abattoirs operate within the same disease-free compartment. This will reduce production costs, improve biosecurity and prepare Nigeria for red meat export,” he explained.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Livestock and Fisheries Development in Niger State conveyed the goodwill of the state government and expressed the state’s readiness to align with the Federal Government’s livestock reform initiatives.

“Niger State is endowed with enormous land resources and water bodies that support livestock production. With about 76,000 square kilometres of landmass, nearly 10 percent of Nigeria’s total land area, we believe the state can serve as a major hub for livestock development,” he said.

The Commissioner added that the state government is eager to collaborate with the Federal Ministry in key areas such as livestock identification and traceability systems, commercial feedlot development, livestock service centres, pasture development and animal health systems.

“We have 22 grazing reserves in the state, nine of which are already gazetted. Niger State is therefore ready to partner with the Federal Ministry to pilot programmes that will transform livestock production and strengthen the value chain,” he noted.

Other members of the delegation include the Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Dr. Jonathan Wasa, the State Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Jiya Danladi Mohammed and other senior government officials.

Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu
Head, Press and Public Relations 
12th March 2026