FG targets 7,000 jobs through ranching estates nationwide

The Federal Government plans to create about 7,000 direct jobs through an estate-based ranching programme aimed at empowering youths and women, boosting livestock productivity, and stimulating rural economic development.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development following a strategic engagement involving the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha.

According to the statement, the proposed estate-based livestock management model is designed to provide structured opportunities for young people and women to participate in ranch operations and other livestock-related enterprises while promoting modern and sustainable livestock production systems.

“The programme is projected to create about 7,000 direct jobs while supporting growth across the dairy, red meat and leather value chains,” Maiha stated.

The minister explained that the initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s livestock industry, particularly in dairy production, meat processing, feed and fodder development, and leather manufacturing.

He also stressed the need for innovative financing mechanisms tailored to the realities of livestock production, especially dairy farming, which requires longer production cycles before returns can be realised.

According to the statement, Maiha noted that the dairy industry alone has the capacity to generate billions of dollars in economic value and called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, and private investors to expand production and modernise the sector.

The minister further revealed that the ministry was pursuing the establishment of modern abattoirs in selected states and the Federal Capital Territory as part of efforts to improve livestock infrastructure.

The statement said the facilities, each with the capacity to process at least 1,000 cattle daily, would enhance meat quality and safety standards, reduce waste, and strengthen the livestock value chain.

Maiha also emphasised the importance of feed and fodder development, describing animal nutrition as a critical factor in improving livestock productivity.

To address the challenge, the ministry is working to expand pasture cultivation nationwide and establish feed resources closer to production centres in order to cut transportation costs and improve efficiency, the statement added.

Earlier, the Public Relations Manager of Access Bank, Jonathan Oloniyo, expressed the bank’s readiness to collaborate with the ministry in advancing initiatives aimed at unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s livestock industry.