Nigeria has earmarked more than five million hectares of land for livestock development as the government seeks to attract private investment into ranching, dairy production and meat processing, officials said.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by Africa’s most populous country to modernise its livestock sector, boost domestic food production and reduce long-standing tensions linked to open grazing and land use conflicts.
Livestock Development Minister Idi Maiha disclosed the plan during a meeting in Abuja with representatives of Consolidated Limited Investment Partners, according to a statement released by the ministry.
Maiha said the land allocation would support the development of modern ranches and integrated livestock hubs across the country.
“The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development was a deliberate policy move to unlock the sector’s economic potential and position Nigeria as a leading destination for livestock investment in Africa,” he said.
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Nigeria created the ministry in 2024 as part of efforts to reform the livestock industry and address recurring clashes between herders and farming communities, particularly in the country’s central regions.
Successive governments have struggled to resolve disputes linked to grazing routes, land access and competition over water resources, conflicts often worsened by climate pressures and population growth.
Officials say transitioning from open grazing to modern ranching systems could improve productivity while reducing insecurity.
Maiha said Nigeria’s substantial shortages in milk and red meat production represented major opportunities for investors.
According to the minister, the country has annual demand for about 1.7 billion litres of milk and more than 1.5 million metric tonnes of red meat.
“These gaps represent real investment opportunities, and we are ready to work with partners to close them,” he said.
The ministry said the designated land includes existing grazing reserves that authorities plan to transform into modern economic and agricultural centres.
The government is hoping private capital will help finance large-scale livestock infrastructure, including dairy facilities, feed systems, processing plants and transportation networks.
Representatives of the investor delegation presented proposals focused on ranching, dairy farming and integrated agricultural systems.
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Plans outlined during the meeting included the development of livestock hubs featuring residential estates, healthcare centres, schools and other community infrastructure.
The proposal also envisages profit-sharing arrangements with host communities and local stakeholders in an effort to encourage social inclusion and reduce local resistance.
Emmanuel Omoruyi, legal adviser for Amedeo Solution and spokesperson for the delegation, said the initiative would combine international expertise with local participation.
He said investors planned to introduce advanced technologies, strengthen local skills through international partnerships and support knowledge transfer across the livestock value chain.
The delegation also stressed the importance of stable regulations and improved security conditions for long-term investment success.
Nigeria’s livestock sector has historically suffered from low productivity, limited infrastructure and inadequate cold-chain systems despite the country’s large animal population and growing consumer market.
The government believes modernising the industry could strengthen food security, reduce imports and generate employment opportunities, particularly for young people in rural areas.
Maiha sought to reassure investors over security concerns, saying authorities were implementing both military and non-military measures to improve stability.
“Increased investment in agriculture and livestock will boost food production, create jobs and help reduce insecurity,” he said.
Agriculture remains a major employer in Nigeria, although the sector faces persistent challenges including poor infrastructure, insecurity, climate shocks and limited access to financing.
Analysts say successful implementation of the livestock reforms will depend heavily on land governance, community engagement and sustained political commitment.
The investor group said it would submit a detailed proposal to the government within 60 days.
