The Kwara State Government has intensified its efforts to reposition livestock production as a major driver of economic growth.
The government is projecting that targeted interventions in the sector could significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports and unlock billions of dollars in value.
The State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, stated this in Ilorin while addressing journalists during the Press Week celebration of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on the theme: “Livestock Development in a Changing Economy: Innovation, Opportunities, and the Role of Strategic Communication in National Growth.”
Also Read: Nigerian Government Intensifies Efforts to Transform Livestock Sector
She said the livestock industry has moved beyond traditional animal rearing into a strategic economic sector capable of shaping the future of Nigeria’s food systems, industries, and national prosperity.
“I bring warm greetings from my ministry, the Kwara State Ministry of Livestock Development, and from Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. It gives me immense pleasure to address this distinguished gathering on a subject that is central to the future of our economy,” she said.
The commissioner praised President Bola Tinubu for what she described as bold reforms aimed at repositioning the livestock sector for national growth, while commending Governor AbdulRazaq for prioritising agricultural transformation and livestock development in the state.
According to her, “The livestock sector is no longer just about animal husbandry. It is now a strategic economic sector and arguably one of the most promising in Nigeria.”
Thomas explained that Kwara State is working to transition from subsistence livestock production to a fully commercialised and industrialised system aimed at job creation, investment attraction, and import substitution.
Ongoing Programmes
She listed ongoing programmes such as the Kwara Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme, the LPRES project, and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), which she described as a “modern agricultural industrial city” designed to attract investors and strengthen value chains.
“The SAPZ hub will include facilities such as cold storage, abattoirs, veterinary clinics, processing plants, power and water infrastructure, and residential accommodation for investors. It is designed to make agribusiness thrive,” she stated.
She noted that Nigeria currently consumes about 1.7 million metric tonnes of milk annually but produces only about 600,000 metric tonnes locally, leaving a deficit of 65 per cent valued at over $1.5 billion in imports.
“This dependence weakens our economy and drains foreign reserves. That is why we are prioritising the dairy value chain in Kwara. We are targeting at least 100,000 metric tonnes, which could inject about $150 million into our economy,” she stated.
The Commisioner also highlighted opportunities in dairy processing, including butter, cheese, yoghurt, ice cream, and powdered milk, noting that butter imports alone were valued at about $310 million in 2023.
Using a practical illustration, she explained that a smallholder with 10 improved dairy cows could earn nearly N2.9 million monthly, while a larger farm with 50 cows could generate over N14 million monthly under improved production systems.
Beyond dairy, she disclosed that the state was also targeting meat processing opportunities, including beef, sausage, poultry, and pork products, noting that Nigeria imported over $10 million worth of sausages in 2023.
Thomas urged youths, women, and farmers to take advantage of the emerging opportunities, encouraging them to join livestock cooperatives and development programmes across the state.
, stressing that, “The market has been created. Register your business with the Ministry of Livestock Development, join producer groups, and let us help you scale.”
In his remarks, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara Traditional Rulers Council, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, called on journalists to use their pen to promote peace and unity in the state and across Nigeria.
The Emir, represented by his spokesman, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, congratulated the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ on their annual celebration and wished them many more fruitful years.
He commended journalists for their prompt coverage of his press statements and events, urging other chapels to emulate the Correspondents’ Chapel in orderliness, peace, unity, and progress.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the chapel, Biola Azeez, urged young and upcoming journalists to uphold the ethics of journalism while embracing innovation.
He said the future of journalism depends on the ability of young journalists to maintain ethical standards while adapting to technological change.
According to him, the rapid flow of information and digital disruption have made the role of journalists more critical and challenging.
He noted that journalists have the responsibility to verify facts, cut through misinformation, and provide citizens with accurate information for informed decision-making.
“To our young journalists and student guests here today, the future of journalism depends on your ability to uphold ethics while embracing innovation.
“You are the future of journalism. Strive to deal with facts and report the truth while discharging your duties.
“This week is for you as much as it is for us. Take advantage of the lectures, trainings and interactions,” he said.
