Ponmo consumption costing Nigeria N23bn annually, 700,000 jobs – FG

• Targets N33tn revenue potential in livestock

• To increase GDP contribution from $32bn to $74bn by 2035

By Haruna Salami

The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha has indicated that the ministry has begun implementing major reforms in the sector to harness its N33 trillion revenue potential.

Maiha stated this Friday during the resumed 2025 Ministerial Press briefing hosted by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation at the International Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja.

He also said the ministry aims to increase the livestock sector’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035.

The minister highlighted that the consumption of hide and skin, commonly known as ‘ponmo,’ is costing Nigeria at least N23 billion annually and depriving the country of approximately 700,000 jobs.

Maiha emphasised the ministry’s commitment to diversifying Nigeria’s economy and increasing the livestock sector’s contribution to GDP from 5% to 10% by 2030.

According to him, “It is estimated that Nigeria’s livestock sector is valued at over N33 trillion, making it one of the most significant yet underutilized economic assets in the country.

“We have one of the largest livestock populations in Africa, a rapidly expanding market for meat and dairy products, and a strategic location for exports.

“However, poor infrastructure, inadequate investment, outdated production methods, and persistent conflicts between farmers and herders have prevented the sector from reaching its full potential.

“Recognising these challenges and the enormous opportunities, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu established the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development on July 9, 2024, to drive a new era of transformation, innovation, and sustainable growth.

“Our mandate extends far beyond traditional livestock management. We are here to diversify the economy, drive industrialization, strengthen private sector participation, and secure Nigeria’s future in the global agricultural market.”

Maiha further stated that: “over the past few months, we have laid the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth.

“Our goal is for Nigeria’s livestock sector to become a major contributor to GDP, increasing from the current 5% to 10% by 2030, creating millions of jobs, and producing sufficient meat, dairy, and other animal products to not only meet domestic demand but also compete in the global market.

“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to delivering real and measurable progress that translates into better opportunities for livestock producers, more jobs for Nigerians, greater food security, and a stronger economy.”

Maiha said the ministry will position Nigeria as a key player in both domestic and international markets for animal protein, alongside countries like Brazil, Argentina, and the United States.

He noted that the ministry will reposition Nigeria’s livestock sector to generate over 500,000 new jobs by 2027, helping to reduce unemployment and drive rural economic growth.

He also stated that the ministry is engaging stakeholders, including traditional rulers, development partners, and foreign embassies, to raise awareness of the sector’s potential.

The minister further announced that Nigeria has forged strategic partnerships with international investors, agencies, and diplomatic missions to secure technical expertise, financing, and investment in the livestock industry. Partner countries include Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Mexico, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

According to Maiha, these collaborations will focus on opportunities in meat processing, dairy production, animal health, feed production, and cold-chain logistics.

“These partnerships will be instrumental in positioning Nigeria as a regional and global hub for livestock production and export,” he stated.

He disclosed that the ministry is addressing the challenges of poor infrastructure affecting the sector by revamping grazing reserves nationwide and equipping them with feed and fodder facilities, water resources, veterinary services, and schools for pastoral families.

Also, the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, provided updates on the ministry’s mandate and ongoing projects.

He noted that the Ministry of Regional Development (MRD) was established on October 23, 2024, by the Tinubu administration, replacing the former Ministry of Niger Delta Development to oversee regional development nationwide.

He explained that MRD oversees four major regional development commissions: the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), North East Development Commission (NEDC), South East Development Commission (SEDC), and North West Development Commission (NWDC).

Ahmadu highlighted the ministry’s five priority areas: Infrastructure Development, Environmental Protection and Sustainability, Community Development, Education and Economic Empowerment, Peace and Security Maintenance, and Coordination of Regional Development Initiatives.

He also provided updates on completed and ongoing road projects across various states to enhance connectivity and economic development.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that the briefing session serves as a platform to showcase the achievements of the Tinubu administration across various sectors of the economy.

“It is my pleasure to welcome you to the second edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series.

“As you may recall, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, I inaugurated this year’s series by highlighting key successes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda”.

He noted that the Ministries of Livestock Development and Regional Development are the latest additions by President Tinubu, established to harness the vast potential of Nigeria’s livestock industry and to drive regional development across the six geopolitical zones.

“These two ministries happen to be the newest in the country. The Ministry of Livestock Development was created in July 2024 to transform Nigeria’s multi-billion-dollar livestock potential into actual economic prosperity for Nigerians, while the Ministry of Regional Development was created in October 2024 to oversee the activities of the country’s regional development commissions.

“These two ministers have since hit the ground running, and they are here today to shed more light on what they have been working on since the creation of their Ministries,” he said.

The Minister commended the media for their dedication in covering the Ministerial Briefing Sessions, describing them as invaluable partners in informing Nigerians.

“The media have remained invaluable partners in our stride to continue to update Nigerians on the laudable achievements of the Tinubu Administration. I urge the media to ensure that these briefings are reported with the utmost sense of fairness and accuracy.

“There should be no recourse to sensationalism in the reporting of government policies and programs. Criticisms and disagreements are welcome, in the spirit of democratic practice, but misinformation and disinformation should have no room whatsoever in public discourse,” he said.

Idris assured that the government will provide wide publicity for the briefing sessions across multiple media platforms to promote accountability and encourage public feedback.