By Chinedu Okorie, African Agricultural Correspondent
Nigeria is embarking on what could be one of the most ambitious agricultural transformations in its history: building a competitive, investment-ready, and export-driven feed and fodder economy to power its $74 billion livestock industry.
At the Nigeria Feed and Fodder Partners’ Breakfast Roundtable in Abuja, government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, and regional experts rallied around a single message—Nigeria has the resources and momentum to become West Africa’s feed production powerhouse, but only if collaboration translates into decisive action.
The event, convened by the Nigeria Feed and Fodder Multi-Stakeholder Platform (NFF-MSP), marked a turning point in tackling one of the livestock sector’s most persistent challenges: the lack of affordable, quality feed.
“With feed, there is productivity; without feed, there is no transformation. Nigeria stands at a defining moment,” said Professor Maikano Mohammed Ari, president of the NFF-MSP.
Feed as the Engine of Transformation
Feed accounts for 60–70 percent of livestock production costs, making it the single most critical factor in productivity and profitability. Across Africa, feed and fodder have long been the silent drivers of livestock performance, often overlooked despite their central role in food security and economic growth.
David Maina, Feed and Fodder Business Development Expert with AU-IBAR’s RAFFS Project, praised Nigeria’s efforts to confront climate shocks, inefficiencies, and financing gaps. He noted that Nigeria’s model could serve as a continental template for feed system transformation.
Government Commitment and Strategic Reforms
Representing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Mr. Akeem Ibinade reaffirmed government commitment to removing bottlenecks. Anchored on the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), reforms include:
-
National Animal Feed and Fodder Policy to bridge deficits and stimulate year-round commercial feed production.
-
Structured Systems to Replace Open Grazing, with expanded livestock estates and feedlots.
-
Climate-Smart Forage Revolution, promoting high-yielding forage species like Brachiaria grass and improved legumes.
-
Digital Future for Livestock Markets, mapping and digitising 815 livestock markets nationwide to enhance traceability and efficiency.
Private Sector and Development Partners Step In
Sahel Consulting reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based, market-driven solutions that unlock private-sector investment. The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project also highlighted its role in scaling modern pasture technologies and training producers nationwide.
“The L-PRES Project plays a pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s feed and fodder systems by enhancing productivity, resilience, and commercialisation,” said Jubabatu Ibrahim, Technical Operations Officer at L-PRES.
A Continental Signal
AU-IBAR’s RAFFS Project sees Nigeria’s progress as more than a national achievement—it is a signal to the rest of Africa. With the right partnerships, Nigeria could inspire similar feed revolutions across the continent.
The Road Ahead
Speakers agreed that the roundtable must serve as a launchpad for investment pipelines, policy reforms, and commercial partnerships. Nigeria’s livestock revolution will rise or fall on the strength of its feed systems.
As Prof. Ari concluded:
“Let us think boldly, commit firmly, and act collectively. Nigeria has the capacity to become West Africa’s feed powerhouse, and together, we will deliver it.”
With land, livestock, human capital, and regional influence, Nigeria is finally treating feed not as an afterthought but as the engine of competitiveness, food security, and growth. The seeds have been sown, partnerships are forming, and momentum is building toward a transformation that could reshape Africa’s agricultural future.
