Nigeria livestock sector reform gains momentum as FG moves to curb middlemen, improve pricing, and boost farmer earnings nationwide

The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified efforts to reform the livestock industry by reducing the influence of intermediaries, in Abuja on Tuesday, as part of broader measures aimed at stabilising prices and improving earnings for producers within the sector.

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The initiative was outlined in a statement issued by Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Information), Ogochukwu Igboamalu, on behalf of the Ministry of Livestock Development.

The reforms are being spearheaded under the leadership of the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha.

Maiha said the persistent dominance of middlemen in the livestock value chain has continued to distort market pricing, resulting in reduced income for farmers while driving up costs for consumers.

He described the situation as an imbalance that undermines both efficiency and fairness within the sector.

According to the minister, the government is prioritising direct linkages between livestock producers, processors, abattoirs and bulk buyers in order to streamline transactions and enhance transparency.

This approach, he noted, is expected to reduce inefficiencies and ensure that producers receive a more equitable share of market value.

“Producers do most of the work but earn the least, while middlemen take a larger share.

This imbalance affects pricing and availability,” Maiha said, highlighting the structural challenges the reforms aim to address.

As part of the planned interventions, the ministry is working towards introducing a live-weight pricing system to standardise livestock transactions and minimise arbitrary pricing practices across markets nationwide.

The system is expected to bring greater consistency and predictability to pricing mechanisms.

The government also identified several investment opportunities within the sector, including pasture development, fodder production, dairy aggregation and leather processing.

Officials noted that these areas hold strong potential for job creation and broader economic growth if properly developed.

In addition, Maiha reiterated the federal government’s commitment to transitioning from open grazing to more structured livestock production systems.

The policy shift is intended to improve productivity, reduce conflicts, and strengthen animal health management across the country.

On security concerns, the minister said plans are underway to deploy digital livestock tagging and traceability systems to address cattle rustling and improve monitoring of livestock movement.

The initiative is expected to enhance accountability and support more effective tracking of animals within the value chain.

A complementary digital platform is also being developed to provide investors and stakeholders with access to data and opportunities within the livestock sector, further supporting transparency and informed decision-making.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuous stakeholder engagement, stressing that ongoing consultations will help ensure that policies reflect the realities faced by farmers and other industry participants.

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The reforms signal a broader effort by the government to modernise Nigeria’s livestock industry, improve market efficiency, and strengthen the sector’s contribution to national economic development.