For many families, meat—especially beef—has become unaffordable as prices have skyrocketed over the last two years.
The cost of a kilogram of beef and mutton has risen from 1,500 in 2023 to over 7,000 in some markets across the country. Similarly, the price of a cow, which ranged between 200,000 and 450,000 depending on size and weight, now falls between 450,000 and 900,000, with even higher prices in some eastern and western markets.
Experts believe that these soaring prices could be significantly reduced if adequate infrastructure were developed to support the livestock industry. The sector plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s economy, food security, and rural livelihoods. Unlike seasonal crops, livestock products such as beef, milk, and eggs can be harvested daily, providing a steady source of food and income.
Until the recent establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the livestock sector had suffered years of neglect. Despite Nigeria being the fifth-largest livestock-producing country in Africa, the cost of meat remains alarmingly high, putting it out of reach for the average consumer.
Key factors driving high prices
Speaking at a recent agricultural meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Iddi Mukhtar Maiha, highlighted some of the key factors contributing to the high cost of livestock products in Nigeria.
Infrastructure and market challenges
“The issue of infrastructure is quite key, but again, looking at the national livestock trade, it is no longer acceptable,” the minister said. The outdated method of trading in live animals is inefficient, wasteful, and does not align with global best practices. Traders transporting livestock from Adamawa and the North East to the East must pass through as many as 700 checkpoints, managed by both state and non-state actors. Each trailer is forced to pay a minimum of 1.2 million in extortion fees. By the time these animals reach the consumer, prices have been driven up significantly.”
To address this, the government is working with security agencies to dismantle illegal checkpoints and stop extortion. The minister emphasized the need to shift towards processed animal products, rather than relying solely on live animal trade.
“We are encouraging the establishment of abattoirs across the country so that processed meat—packaged under hygienic conditions and meeting international standards—can be distributed nationwide. We are also engaging local and international investors, including strong interest from the Middle East, to export Nigerian meat,” he added.
Boosting value addition in the livestock sector
Alhaji Maiha stressed that processing is key to value addition in the livestock industry. By maximizing the use of every part of the animal—such as bones, horns, hooves, bile, and blood for various industrial purposes—Nigeria can significantly boost its livestock economy.
Tackling middlemen and market access issues
Another major challenge is poor market access, which prevents farmers from selling their products at competitive prices. Women, who play a significant role in livestock farming, often lack access to resources, education and decision-making power.
The minister revealed that the government has conducted an inventory of livestock markets in Nigeria and found that many are in a poor state.
“There are about 815 livestock markets across the country, most of which are in various states of disrepair. We need to develop these markets with better facilities, including veterinary services and unloading bays. Middlemen currently control livestock pricing, leaving farmers with little bargaining power. We aim to address this by organizing the system and reducing their influence,” he stated.
Unlocking the potential of fodder production
A largely untapped opportunity in Nigeria is fodder production. Speaking at the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) event in Abuja, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, highlighted the economic potential of the feed and fodder industry.
“The livestock sector in Nigeria is worth approximately 33trn, and globally, the livestock economy is valued at about $3.3trn. Up to 70 percent of this value comes from feed and fodder, which means Nigeria’s feed and fodder industry alone is worth around 23trn,” he explained.
Alhaji Maiha encouraged Nigerians to explore commercial fodder production, noting that some investors have already expressed interest in exporting Nigerian grass to the UAE, where fodder is currently imported from the U.S. and Zimbabwe.
Making beat more affordable
To make meat more accessible and affordable, stakeholders emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses inefficiencies, improves productivity, and enhances consumer accessibility.
The Minister of Livestock Development outlined several strategies to achieve this, including:
Improving livestock productivity
Reducing production costs
Expanding value chains and market access
Strengthening farmer support programs
Addressing policy and governance issues
Leveraging technology for improved efficiency
Promoting alternative sources of animal protein
Educating consumers on nutrition and food choices
Mitigating climate and environmental challenges
Increasing domestic meat production
Shuaibu Usman, a livestock farmer, pointed out that livestock farming presents immense opportunities for economic growth. “Small-scale farming of poultry, goats, and sheep can be cost-effective and help provide affordable meat products for low-income households,” he added.
The ‘Pomo’ debate: eating away job opportunities?
One controversial issue in Nigeria’s livestock sector is the consumption of pomo (cowhide), which is widely eaten in some parts of the country. While pomo is a popular delicacy, experts argue that its consumption undermines the leather industry, which has the potential to generate significant revenue and create jobs.
Nigeria is known for producing high-quality hides and skins used in the global leather industry, with products like shoes, bags, and belts projected to reach a market value of $1 billion by 2025. However, the Ministry of Livestock Development considers pomo consumption a setback for the industry.
“In essence, we are eating our jobs,” the ministry stated. Former Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, now the President of the African Development Bank, previously attempted to discourage pomo consumption but faced resistance, particularly from the South West, where it is widely consumed.
Addressing pastoralist conflicts to ensure Supply
The largest supply of cattle in Nigeria comes from nomadic pastoralists. However, conflicts between herders and farmers, as well as cattle rustling, have significantly disrupted livestock supply chains.
To address these issues, the government is focusing on developing grazing reserves.
“We have about 415 grazing reserves across the country, but due to a lack of infrastructure, they are being used for other agricultural activities. We are working with state governments to create the necessary infrastructure so that pastoralists can settle in one area. Our vision is to turn these reserves into economic hubs, each supporting between 10,000 and 30,000 cattle, with facilities for milk and beef production. This will attract processors, create jobs, and—most importantly—help bring peace,” Alhaji Maiha stated.
