The Federal Government has made known its plans to establish “approximately 7,000” direct jobs through an “estate-based ranching programme” fashioned to get youths and women empowered, as well as, increase livestock productivity in the country.
According to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, “The Federal Government has unveiled plans to create approximately 7,000 direct jobs through an estate-based ranching programme designed to empower youths and women, boost livestock productivity, and accelerate rural economic development across the country.”
The disclosure was made by Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, during a strategic engagement with the management team of Access Bank Plc in Abuja on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
Muhktar highlighted ongoing works by the Ministry to transform the Livestock sector “into a major driver of economic growth, food security and employment generation”.
The Minister said: “The programme is projected to create about 7,000 direct jobs while supporting growth across the dairy, red meat and leather value chains”.
Muhktar said, the move is part of a bigger strategy to unleash the huge potential of the Livestock Industry of Nigeria, especially in “dairy production, meat processing, feed and fodder development, and leather manufacturing”.
He said, only the dairy industry possesses the potential to generate “billions of dollars” in economic value. He also said, there is the need for strong partnership among government, financial institutions and private investors to widen production and modernize the sector.
According to Muhktar, the Ministry is working towards the creation of modern abattoirs in selected States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Ministry says: “The facilities, each with the capacity to process at least 1,000 cattle daily, are expected to improve meat quality and safety standards, reduce waste, and strengthen the livestock value chain.”
Muhktar also stressed the significance of “feed and fodder development”. He said, animal nutrition is a “critical determinant of livestock productivity”; and, to tackle the challenge, the Ministry is working to strengthen pasture cultivation across the country, as well as, establish feed resources nearer to production centres with the aim to lessen transportation costs and improve efficiency.
