Nigeria Anticipates Contribution of Livestock Industry to GDP in Ten Years to Hit $94 billion

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has said in the next ten years the contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the livestock industry may reach $94 billion.

The industry according to the government is currently contributing over $32 billion to the nation’s GDP, with great impact on national food security, job creation, and rural income generation.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, speaking at the Policy Dialogue Workshop for the Valuation of PRISMA Project Results in the Regional Agricultural Priorities of West Africa and the Sahel, organised by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)’s Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (ARAA) on Thursday in Abuja, said that Nigeria’s strategic plan for the livestock sector in the next ten years aims to increase its GDP contribution from the current $32 billion to between $74 billion and $94 billion.

The Minister, who was represented by the

Director, Technical Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Mr. Peter Alike, stated that

the government recognises livestock as a national imperative that cannot be ignored.

He noted that the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Tinubu reflects government’s deliberate action towards strengthening the livestock sub-sector and driving national development.

He stated the importance of collaboration between Nigeria, ECOWAS, and other regional actors in achieving shared agricultural and food security goals.

He said: “I have told you already that we have a strategic plan which is going to run from 2025 to 2030. And we have a basket of livestock contribution to GDP which is currently about $32 billion.

“And our mission is, in the next 10 years, we want to take, there is a baseline, a base anticipation of $74 billion and then of course a high expectation of about $94 billion.

“We believe that if you actually look at the entire valuation of livestock in Nigeria here today, we are far even in excess of that.

“In Nigeria, we have over 50 million cattle in the hands of rural dwellers, and these are animals that must be fed. So, for us, feed and indeed food is a national imperative that we cannot even live for tomorrow. It is indeed an emergency because the tangential effect of not being able to provide the necessary feed and food for our animals has a direct effect on our very existence, rural livelihood, and human peace. So, for us, it is a matter of survival.

“This is the time for three things to be done. The first thing to be done is collaboration. The second thing to be done is collaboration. And the third thing to be done is collaboration. This is the time that we need each other the most.”

He cautioned against allowing the PRISMA policy dialogue to become just another routine event without tangible outcomes.

He however cautioned against excluding Nigeria in regional projects.

He said: “We don’t want this to end up as one of those workshops because it doesn’t make sense,” that the ministry is fully committed to ensuring that discussions translate into real progress for livestock development across Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.

He noted that: “If you have a project of this magnitude and you exclude Nigeria, then you are not likely to succeed. Especially, I don’t know of any other country in West Africa and the Sahel that has a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development.”

On his part, the Acting Executive Director of the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (ARAA), Mr. Konlani Kanfitin, reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to advancing livestock development and research collaboration in the region.

He expressed appreciation to the European Union (EU) and the Spanish Cooperation Agency (AECID) for co-financing the PRISMA Project (Research and Innovation for Productive, Resilient, and Healthy Agro-Pastoral Systems in West Africa), which promotes climate-adapted, research-based innovations in the livestock sector.

He said the PRISMA Project aligns with ECOWAS’ regional agricultural policy (ECOWAP), which seeks to transform agricultural and food systems across the region.

Kanfitin emphasised the importance of policy dialogue as a lever for coherence, strategic orientation, participatory governance, and regional integration.

He said: “The livestock sector occupies a central place in the economies of our member states. It contributes to food security, job creation, and the income of millions of rural households.

“This policy dialogue workshop constitutes a key moment for reflection and collective action; it is intended as a space for discussions and decision-making to improve the policy environment for research and innovation to increase the productivity and resilience of agro-pastoral systems in West Africa and the Sahel,” he noted.

In his remarks, Agricultural Engineer and PRISMA Researcher, Dr. Fernando Escribano, highlighted the project’s focus on tackling aflatoxins in livestock feed.

He described aflatoxins as metabolic byproducts of fungi and bacteria that can grow in the field and during storage when high moisture and temperature conditions allow, stressing the need for standard methods to control their presence in livestock feed.

“This is the scenario that we had when we started this project. We decided to focus because aflatoxins don’t have borders. Environmental impact doesn’t have borders. So, we decided to go with a harmonization exercise. We need to harmonize and define what is equality,” Dr. Escribano explained.

“We need to avoid the presence of aflatoxins in our feeds. We need to know how to sample to detect aflatoxins. We need to know how to measure aflatoxins in a relatively simple way, but in a way that we all agree to be done,” he added.

The PRISMA policy dialogue workshop was organized under the framework of ECOWAS’s regional agricultural policy (ECOWAP) and hosted in Abuja, Nigeria, with active participation and support from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

The event was co-financed and technically supported by the European Union (EU), the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), Luxembourg Cooperation, Belgian Cooperation, and Spanish Cooperation, highlighting a strong partnership between regional bodies, national authorities, and international development partners.

Nigeria Anticipates Contribution of Livestock Industry to GDP in Ten Years to Hit $94 billion

COAS urges stronger unit training and weapons proficiency to boost operational readiness

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged Nigerian Army personnel to intensify unit-level training, emphasising weapons handling, tactical proficiency, and operational readiness to enhance combat effectiveness.

Addressing troops of 82 Division in Enugu on Thursday, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu highlighted the critical role of senior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and unit leaders in preparing soldiers for active operations and future security challenges.

Shaibu commended troops deployed in Enugu State for their professionalism during the recently concluded Anambra State elections, urging them to continue upholding Army core values, obey lawful orders, and exercise due diligence in all assigned tasks.

He congratulated the division for ensuring the successful conduct of the elections, noting that the outcome would not have been possible without their discipline and commitment.

“Are you promising me you will uphold that?” the COAS asked, receiving affirmations from the troops.

The COAS also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to the welfare of all personnel, highlighting the “soldier-first” concept. He assured that the well-being of every officer and soldier would be properly safeguarded, and urged troops to remain resolute and focused in the execution of their missions.

The COAS urged troops to remain committed and resolute in the execution of all missions, highlighting the direct impact of their presence on maintaining security and enabling normal civic activities.

He encouraged soldiers to take pride in their work, noting that their dedication directly contributes to maintaining operational effectiveness and security stability.

“Operational readiness is more than mere presence; it is about consistent unit training, basic tactics, and supervision at every level,” he said. “Senior NCOs must ensure that all soldiers are thoroughly trained on the fundamentals of weapon handling, minor tactics, and operational principles.”

The COAS specifically stressed the importance of weapons proficiency, instructing troops to know the effective ranges of their arms, including the SLR and AK-47.

“If you see an enemy at 300 or 400 metres, you should be able to neutralise them. This is not theoretical; it is what makes a soldier effective in combat,” he added.

Lt.-Gen. Shaibu also encouraged officers and NCOs to supervise closely, mentor younger soldiers, and instil discipline and operational competence at the unit level.

He pointed out the pivotal role of NCOs in ensuring that soldiers are capable of responding decisively during crises or skirmishes.

“You are the key link in preparing soldiers for operations. Take unit training very seriously. Your supervision determines the operational effectiveness of your troops,” he said, seeking and receiving verbal commitments from all senior NCOs and young officers present.

The COAS further reiterated the Army’s “soldier-first” philosophy, stressing that the welfare of officers and soldiers would continue to be a priority, ensuring that personnel remain motivated and mission-ready.

The RSM Convention, attended by senior officers, Regimental Sergeant Majors, formation commanders, and representatives from other security agencies, featured interactive lectures and practical sessions designed to strengthen regimental standards, leadership, discipline, and operational efficiency.

Lt.-Gen. Shaibu said the insights and best practices shared at the convention should be taken back to individual units to sustain combat readiness, improve morale, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.

He noted that all enablers have been provided to the troops and urged them to ensure professionalism in their operations while assuring them that their welfare will be well taken care of.

COAS urges stronger unit training and weapons proficiency to boost operational readiness

COAS urges regimental sergeants major to uphold discipline, professionalism

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, has charged Regimental Sergeants Major (RSMs) across all Army formations to sustain high standards of discipline, leadership, and professionalism in the Nigerian Army.

Shaibu made the call on Thursday in Enugu at the closing ceremony of the 2nd Regimental Sergeants Major (RSM) Convention 2025, themed “RSM Roles in Operational Readiness and Combat Effectiveness.”hosted under the Department of Administration, Nigerian Army.

The event, which was attended by top military officers, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, the Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, also featured participants from sister services and other security agencies.

In his address, the COAS said the convention was of great significance as it marked his first official engagement since assuming office as Chief of Army Staff.

He noted that the gathering had provided a platform for meaningful deliberations and exchange of ideas aimed at strengthening regimental standards and leadership across all formations.

“Over the past few days, you have been engaged in productive discussions that fostered knowledge sharing and exchange of invaluable insights. I am confident that the deliberations have deepened your understanding of the vital role you play in the overall functioning of our Army,” Shuaibu said.

He described the RSMs as the “custodians of regimentation and discipline” and the “moral compass” that guides the conduct of soldiers, particularly in ongoing operations across all theatres.

“The leadership and mentorship standards you demonstrate greatly shape and define the ideals of professionalism that our soldiers embrace as the true meaning of soldiering.

“I urge you all to return to your units with renewed zeal and determination to nurture warriors that the Nigerian Army and indeed the entire nation can take pride in,” he said.

Shuaibu commended the active participation and commitment of RSMs throughout the four-day convention, noting that their dedication and engagement had enriched the proceedings.

He said the topics discussed, including unit identity, regimental culture, substance abuse prevention, administrative challenges, social media responsibility, and mentorship, were carefully selected to address practical realities in the field.

“I am aware that the convention covered a range of important subjects such as fostering loyalty to regimental culture, combating substance abuse among troops, addressing administrative challenges in formations, and enhancing operational effectiveness.

“Other lectures on balancing traditions and modernity, bridging communication gaps between RSMs and commanders, and creating mentorship structures for soldiers were also well received,” he said.

The COAS expressed confidence that the lessons learned from the convention would translate into improved combat readiness and operational efficiency across Army formations.

“As this convention draws to a close, I urge all participants to take ownership of its outcomes and demonstrate renewed commitment to fulfilling your duties and responsibilities as Regimental Sergeants Major,” he said.

Shuaibu also commended the Chief of Administration (Army) and the organizing committee for their meticulous planning and successful coordination of the event.

He expressed appreciation to the Enugu State Government, sister services, and all partners for their support and collaboration in ensuring the success of the 2025 RSM Convention.

“Finally, I say to you, my fellow Regimental Sergeants Major, as you depart this convention, carry with you the pride of your country, the weight of your responsibilities, and the honour of being the custodians of discipline and tradition in the Nigerian Army.

“Live by example, guide with wisdom, and inspire courage,” the COAS added.

He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President and Commander in Chief for his unwavering support to the Nigerian army and assuring the president of the army’s commitment toward restoring peace in country.

Earlier speaking, The Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi, commended the Regimental Sergeants Major (RSMs) for their steadfastness and commitment to maintaining discipline and professionalism in the Nigerian Army.

In his address, Abdullahi said the convention had provided participants with a valuable opportunity to reflect deeply on their regimental responsibilities and strengthen their leadership qualities.

“Over the past four days, we have witnessed a series of engaging and intellectually stimulating lectures and interactive sessions delivered by carefully selected resource persons in alignment with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu,” he said.

He explained that the presentations were designed to strengthen regimental standards, sharpen leadership capacity, and reinforce the crucial role of RSMs as custodians of discipline, morale, and professionalism in all Nigerian Army formations.

Abdullahi urged participants to apply the lessons and best practices gained during the convention in their respective units and formations to multiply its impact across the Nigerian Army.

“The lessons learned here do not end within the walls of this convention. I urge all participants to take these insights to your various duty posts, thereby sustaining the high standards of discipline and effectiveness expected of a professional fighting force,” he said.

The Chief of Administration described the 2025 edition as historic, being the first to include joint participation from sister services and other security agencies a development he said underscored the Army’s commitment to jointness and interoperability in modern military operations.

“This initiative demonstrates our collective resolve toward cooperation and unity of effort in the face of evolving security challenges,” he added.

Abdullahi expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for his visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and unwavering support to the Department of Administration and the Nigerian Army as a whole.

“The seamless logistics, excellent coordination, and dedication of all involved have contributed immensely to the success of this convention,” he said.

Abdullahi also thanked the Enugu State Government for its hospitality and support, noting that the peaceful environment provided by the state contributed to the success of the event.

He concluded by urging all RSMs to sustain the Army’s core values of loyalty, discipline, and selfless service while mentoring younger soldiers to emulate professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
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