FG Engages ILRI on Plan Targeting 230,000 Livestock Jobs

The Federal Government has commenced discussions with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) on the implementation of a continental livestock development programme expected to create 230,000 jobs in Nigeria, with at least 70 per cent of the opportunities reserved for young women.

The jobs will be delivered under the Rural Employment through Animal Feed Production (REAP) initiative, a US$250 million Mastercard Foundation-supported programme spanning seven African countries. The initiative aims to generate one million jobs across the continent by expanding animal feed production, strengthening livestock value chains and supporting enterprise development.

Speaking on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, during a meeting with Dr. Sibiry Traoré, Senior Scientist in Digital Agriculture at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the Federal Government is committed to working closely with ILRI and other implementing partners to ensure Nigeria maximises the employment, investment and livestock development opportunities presented by the programme.

Mukhtar described REAP and the proposed African Livestock Resilience Programme (ALRP), which is being developed with financing support from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), as strategic interventions that align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's livestock transformation agenda by creating jobs, strengthening dairy development, improving animal nutrition and building resilient livestock production systems.

"Everything is about feed and fodder," the Minister said. "Nigeria has the land, the water resources and a youthful population, including women, who can be productively engaged in commercial, medium- and small-scale fodder production. If we deliberately invest in fodder cultivation, preservation, feed compounding and value addition, we will strengthen the resilience of our livestock sector, improve productivity and create sustainable livelihoods."

He noted that improved feed availability would complement ongoing efforts to eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), increase the productivity of sheep and goats, boost dairy production, reduce seasonal livestock migration and strengthen national food security.

The Minister disclosed that the Ministry would work with state governments to unlock irrigable land around existing dams for year-round pasture cultivation and promote the transportation of feed to livestock-producing areas rather than the movement of animals across the country.

"We must begin to move feed instead of moving animals," he said. "Transporting baled crop residues and processed feed from surplus-producing areas to livestock-producing zones is a more sustainable and peaceful model than seasonal migration in search of pasture. Feed and fodder are central to addressing productivity challenges, reducing conflicts and improving dairy output."

The Minister assured the delegation that Nigeria would immediately commence the process required to join the initiative, and subsequently directed relevant technical departments of the Ministry to begin immediate engagement with ILRI, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and other implementing partners to develop a roadmap for Nigeria's participation in both programmes.

Earlier, Dr. Traoré disclosed that REAP is designed as a development programme rather than a research initiative, with about 70 per cent of its funding earmarked for national public and private sector partners to stimulate enterprise growth, improve access to finance and strengthen animal feed businesses.

He explained that the programme will support investments in alternative feed resources, including Black Soldier Fly technology, high-quality cassava products, sweet potato-based feed, total mixed rations and improved feed processing enterprises, creating employment opportunities across production, processing, logistics and agricultural services.

Dr. Traoré also briefed the Minister on the proposed African Livestock Resilience Programme, currently valued at about US$600 million, which is expected to strengthen livestock production systems, digital agriculture, climate resilience, financing and regional collaboration across participating African countries. 

He noted that ILRI stands ready to support Nigeria in preparing the documentation and stakeholder engagements required for the country's formal participation.

The meeting also featured discussions on digital agriculture, agricultural extension services, innovative livestock financing, climate-smart livestock production and strengthening public-private partnerships to build a more resilient and competitive livestock sector in Nigeria.

Henrietta Okokon
Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations 
21st July 2026