Stakeholders across Nigeria’s livestock value chain converged in Ilorin, Kwara State, on January 16, 2026, for a Federal Government led livestock engagement forum focused on repositioning the sector as a major driver of national economic growth.
The engagement, organised by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, formed part of ongoing consultations aimed at unlocking investment, improving productivity, and strengthening coordination across federal, state, and private sector actors.
Federal Government Reaffirms $74bn Livestock GDP Target
Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Mr. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, his Special Adviser, Mr. Richard-Mark Mbaram, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector into a major economic asset.
He explained that the Ministry is working towards increasing the sector’s contribution to national Gross Domestic Product to $74 billion within the next decade, stressing that livestock should be viewed as a development opportunity rather than a challenge.
He further highlighted the importance of modern production systems, private investment, and collaboration with sub-national governments in achieving this target.
Kwara Positions KWALES as a Practical Response
In her remarks, the Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Ayobola Thomas, described the engagement as timely, noting that Kwara State has taken proactive steps to align with the Federal Government’s livestock reform agenda.
She highlighted the Kwara Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme (KWALES) as the state’s flagship intervention designed to empower youth, women, students, and persons living with disabilities through structured participation across the livestock value chain.
According to her, the programme reflects the state government’s commitment to inclusive growth, job creation, and food security.
Institutional Framework and Capacity Building
The Permanent Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Livestock Development, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed, noted that KWALES goes beyond skills acquisition to deliberately build entrepreneurship, leadership, and resilience among participants.
He emphasised that the programme is structured to deliver long-term economic value rather than short-term interventions.
Also speaking at the forum, the Director of Livestock Services, Alhaji Umar, underscored the importance of strengthening production systems, feed resources, and farm management practices to improve efficiency and sustainability within the sector.
The Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Olugbon, stressed the critical role of animal health, disease prevention, and auxiliary veterinary services in achieving productivity gains, noting that effective livestock development must be anchored on strong veterinary and biosecurity frameworks.*
Technical Presentation of KWALES At the engagement, AdunGreen Foundation, the Technical Partner to the Kwara State Ministry of Livestock Development on KWALES, presented the programme’s structure and implementation roadmap to stakeholders.
Speaking during the presentation, Mr. Tajudeen Olaribigbe, Co-founder of AdunGreen Foundation, explained that KWALES is designed as a practical, enterprise-driven programme that integrates conventional livestock production with emerging innovations.
He outlined the programme’s expanded focus areas, which include Black Soldier Fly production, hydroponic fodder systems, apiculture, heliciculture, AgTech development, food processing, auxiliary veterinary services, and farm management, among others.
Symbol of State–Federal Alignment
As part of the engagement, KWALES-branded materials were presented to the Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development and the representative of the Honourable Minister, symbolising alignment between federal livestock policy objectives and state-level implementation efforts.
The forum attracted policymakers, livestock producers, veterinary professionals, academics, youth groups, and private sector actors, reinforcing the Federal Government’s emphasis on collaboration as a catalyst for sectoral transformation.
With initiatives such as KWALES, stakeholders noted that Kwara State is positioning itself as an active contributor to Nigeria’s broader effort to modernise livestock production, strengthen food security, and create sustainable economic opportunities.
