The Federal Government has revealed that Nigeria loses at least ₦23 billion and approximately 700,000 jobs annually due to the consumption of hide and skin, commonly known as ponmo. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, disclosed this during the 2025 ministerial press briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
Revamping the Livestock Industry
Maiha highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector to boost economic growth, increase its contribution to GDP from 5% to 10% by 2030, and create over 500,000 jobs by 2027. He noted that despite Nigeria’s vast livestock resources, poor infrastructure, outdated methods, and farmer-herder conflicts have hindered its full potential.
To address these challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu established the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024. The ministry aims to modernize the sector, drive industrialization, and strengthen private-sector participation to position Nigeria as a global leader in livestock production.
Strategic Partnerships & Investments
The government has secured international partnerships with countries such as Brazil, China, Denmark, Egypt, and the United States to attract investments in meat processing, dairy production, animal health, feed production, and cold-chain logistics. Stakeholder engagements with traditional rulers, development partners, and foreign embassies are also ongoing to raise awareness of the sector’s potential.
Additionally, the ministry is addressing infrastructure deficits by revamping grazing reserves nationwide, providing feed facilities, water resources, veterinary services, and schools for pastoral families.
FG’s Vision for a Thriving Livestock Sector
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reiterated the administration’s commitment to achieving real progress that translates into more jobs, improved food security, and economic growth. He emphasized the role of the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development in harnessing Nigeria’s multi-billion-dollar livestock potential.
Idris also commended journalists for their role in informing Nigerians about government initiatives and urged them to maintain accuracy and fairness in their reporting.
