The Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Maiha, has urged Nigerians to refrain from consuming hides and skin (ponmo) due to health concerns. He emphasized that there are established health risks linked to the consumption of this animal product.
Maiha also shared plans to establish standard abattoirs across the country where all parts of animals would be used for both human consumption and other developmental purposes, highlighting that “there is no waste in the animal kingdom.”
The minister revealed that a significant portion of the ministry’s capital expenditure for the 2025 fiscal year will be allocated to improving livestock infrastructure, such as modern farms and ranches.
Other key priorities include establishing veterinary clinics, processing facilities, grazing reserves, and implementing disease control programs.
He further explained that the budget would also fund essential projects to boost productivity and develop a more organized livestock industry.
As part of the Development of Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy 2025-2030 (NLGAS 25), the minister projected that the livestock sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would grow from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035.
This would position Nigeria as a major player in both domestic and international animal protein markets, alongside leading producers like Brazil, Argentina, and the United States.
Through its 10 strategic pillars, which include Livestock Value Chain Development, Animal Health and Zoonoses Control, Feed & Fodder, Water Resources Management, as well as Finance and Insurance, the ministry aims to enhance production, improve animal health, ensure food security, foster inclusivity, and strengthen governance within the sector.
