Federal Government Unveils Plan For Cattle Breeding Centres To Boost Livestock Sector.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed ambitious plans to establish cattle breeding centres across each of the country’s six geopolitical regions, a move aimed at modernising the livestock sector and addressing longstanding challenges. Announced on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, during the second day of the Citizens’-Government Engagement and Midterm Review in Abuja, the initiative signals a renewed commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
The proposed centres are part of the broader National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), launched in 2019, which seeks to curb herder-farmer conflicts, boost livestock productivity, and promote sustainable practices. With Nigeria’s cattle population estimated at 20 million, the sector contributes significantly to the economy, accounting for about 17% of agricultural GDP and 5% of national GDP. However, challenges such as open grazing, inadequate feed resources, and low productivity of local breeds have hindered growth and fuelled rural violence. The new breeding centres aim to address these issues by introducing modern techniques, including genetic improvement and climate-smart livestock production.
Dr Abdullahi highlighted that the centres will focus on enhancing indigenous breeds, such as the Muturu cattle and West African Dwarf Goat, to increase meat and dairy yields. By leveraging advanced breeding technologies and collaborating with partners like the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the government aims to create a sustainable model for livestock farming. The centres will also serve as hubs for training farmers in modern ranching practices, providing access to veterinary services, and promoting alternative feed resources like High-Quality Cassava Peel (HQCP), a cost-effective and nutritious supplement.
The initiative has been welcomed by stakeholders, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, which has long advocated for infrastructure to support herders. Baba Ngelzarma, the association’s president, described the plan as a step towards reviving abandoned grazing reserves and reducing urban cattle roaming, a growing issue in cities like Abuja due to climate change and urbanisation. The centres are expected to create jobs, particularly for youth, and stimulate economic activity in rural areas by integrating processing and marketing facilities.
This announcement builds on recent efforts, including the 2023 launch of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support project, which collaborates with ILRI to develop a national livestock master plan. The government’s commitment to funding 80% of state-led livestock transformation proposals under the NLTP further underscores its dedication to the sector’s growth. States like Lagos have already pioneered pilot ranching projects, such as the Badagry feedlot, which demonstrate the potential for private-sector partnerships to drive innovation.
While challenges remain, including securing land and overcoming resistance to previous initiatives like the RUGA settlement, the establishment of regional breeding centres offers hope for a more resilient and productive livestock industry. By addressing issues like farmer-herder conflicts and boosting food security, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for agricultural transformation, promising a brighter future for Nigeria’s rural communities.
