Nigeria could face a serious food and nutrition crisis if the livestock sector isn’t urgently transformed, warns Professor Attahiru Jega, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Livestock Reforms.
Speaking at the University of Ilorin’s 50th anniversary lecture on June 30, 2025, Jega delivered a powerful message titled:
“The Political Economy of Livestock Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.”
He warned that Nigeria’s population is projected to hit 400 million by 2050, which will demand a massive increase in protein supply:
253% more poultry meat
117% more beef
577% more milk
“These numbers are not just projections—they’re alarm bells,” Jega said.
He stressed that business-as-usual won’t work anymore. Nigeria must:
Shift to climate-smart and modern farming techniques
Build inclusive livestock value chains
Invest in ranches, vet services, and feed mills
Reduce conflicts between farmers and herders through better land governance
Jega described the livestock sector as the “heart of rural survival”—providing direct or indirect jobs to over 20 million Nigerians, and contributing up to 9% of the agricultural GDP.
Yet, the sector still suffers from outdated systems, poor infrastructure, and violent conflicts that weaken peace and security in many rural areas.
He called on both government and private investors to take action now:
“Reforming livestock is not a luxury—it’s a national survival need.”
Also present at the event was Senator Saliu Mustapha, who commended Jega’s passion and donated 200 chicks to support poultry farmers in Kwara Central.
UNILORIN’s Vice Chancellor and Faculty Dean applauded Jega for bridging the gap between policy and research, aligning with the university’s commitment to Nigeria’s growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
