The Federal Government has inaugurated the National Economic Council (NEC) Technical Sub-Committee on Livestock Development, aiming to reposition the livestock sector as a key driver of economic growth, food security, and national cohesion. 

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, emphasized that the sub-committee will harmonize existing policy frameworks and develop an actionable roadmap for NEC’s adoption.

Bagudu highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to livestock development, calling it a strategic change in Nigeria’s economic and agricultural policy. 

The establishment of a stand-alone Ministry of Livestock Development underscores the administration’s commitment to treating livestock as a strategic economic sector. 

The Minister,Bagudu explained that livestock development requires collaboration across all tiers of government, ensuring national plans, budgets, and programs are aligned and implemented collaboratively.

Available financing and program options include the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, NG-CARES, and the Renewed Hope Ward-Based Development Plan. Bagudu urged state commissioners to take ownership of the process, emphasizing that widespread acceptance of the committee’s recommendations will attract development partners and private sector involvement.

The sub-committee’s work aims to reframe the livestock sector as a driver of prosperity rather than a source of conflict. 

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