The Federal Government has issued a strong appeal to private investors, urging them to collaborate through public-private partnerships (PPPs) to transform Nigeria's livestock industry. This move aims to unlock the sector's vast economic potential and significantly bolster the nation's food security.
Minister Calls for Collaboration at Specialised Training
The call was made by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, during a two-day 'Specialised PPP Training' event held for ministry stakeholders and staff. The training took place on Monday in Abuja.
Minister Maiha highlighted the critical yet underperforming role of livestock in the national economy. He stated that while the sector contributes substantially to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), nutrition, and millions of livelihoods, its full capacity remains largely untapped.
"Livestock contributes significantly to GDP, nutrition, and livelihoods, yet its full potential remains untapped due to structural, infrastructural, and investment gaps," Maiha explained.
The specialised training, he noted, was designed to build the necessary skills within the ministry to effectively identify and manage PPP projects that meet global standards.
Reviving Legacy Facilities and Creating an Enabling Environment
A key revelation from the minister was the state of existing national assets. The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has about 38 legacy facilities spread across all political zones, many of which are in a severe state of disrepair and require urgent revitalisation.
Maiha stressed that bringing these facilities back to life is crucial for job creation and improving food security. He argued that the government can no longer shoulder this responsibility alone.
"The PPP model is essential for reviving these facilities and ensuring their efficient operation. We can no longer rely solely on government to run these businesses," he pointed out.
The minister assured that the government is fully committed to fostering a conducive environment for private sector participation across the entire livestock value chain. This transformation is seen as a strategic driver for broader economic growth, job creation, and rural development.
Beyond Financing: Building Confidence for Sustainable Growth
Maiha emphasised that the goal of these partnerships extends beyond merely financing and operating facilities. The core objective is to create a stable and attractive ecosystem that instils confidence in private investors.
"PPP provides a platform through which complementary resources can be harnessed for mutual benefit and national development," the minister insisted.
He concluded by outlining the expected socio-economic impact, stating that effective PPPs are the key to unlocking much-needed investment, driving innovation in the sector, and achieving sustainable development outcomes for Nigeria.
The government's strategy focuses on:
- Modernising the livestock sector to address long-standing challenges.
- Leveraging private capital and expertise to manage public assets.
- Creating a win-win scenario for both national development and private investors.
