On Monday, December 1, 2025, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, spearheaded a high-profile courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. Accompanying the Minister were key figures from the Federal Ministry, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, and several directors responsible for policy implementation and stakeholder engagement.
This strategic engagement forms a critical component of the Ministry’s nationwide tour across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The initiative seeks to foster robust partnerships with subnational governments, ensuring seamless alignment and execution of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS)—a flagship federal program launched to revolutionize Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Key Objectives of the NL-GAS and the Enugu Visit The NL-GAS aims to address longstanding challenges in livestock production, such as low productivity, disease outbreaks, climate vulnerabilities, and limited market access. By 2030, the strategy targets a dramatic scale-up in output through: Modernizing animal husbandry practices with improved breeds, feed systems, and ranching models. Strengthening veterinary services and disease surveillance to curb losses from epidemics like African Swine Fever and Foot-and-Mouth Disease. Attracting private investments in processing, cold chains, and value addition to create jobs and boost exports.
Promoting sustainable practices, including pasture restoration and conflict mitigation in grazing areas. During the visit, Governor Mbah extended a warm welcome to the delegation at the Lion Building, Government House, Enugu. In his address, he reaffirmed Enugu State’s commitment to national development priorities, stating,
“We are fully on board with the NL-GAS. Enugu will lead in adopting best-in-class animal husbandry, fortifying our disease control frameworks, and channeling investments to drive productivity and sustainability.” The Governor highlighted Enugu’s agricultural potential, noting ongoing state initiatives like the Enugu State Livestock Productivity and Research Support (L-PRES) program, which aligns perfectly with federal goals.
He pledged resources for pilot projects, including modern abattoirs, fodder banks, and youth training in agro-livestock entrepreneurship. Alignment with National Economic Vision Minister Maiha commended Governor Mbah’s proactive stance, emphasizing how state-federal synergy under NL-GAS will propel Nigeria toward President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambitious $1 trillion economy target by 2030. Livestock, contributing over 5% to GDP and supporting millions of pastoralists, stands as a high-growth pillar.
Successful implementation could add billions in revenue, reduce protein import dependency, and enhance food security amid a population projected to hit 400 million by 2050.The meeting concluded with agreements on joint working groups to fast-track NL-GAS activities in Enugu, including site visits to potential investment zones and capacity-building workshops for local farmers.
This visit underscores the Tinubu administration’s renewed focus on agriculture as an economic engine, with Enugu emerging as a model for collaborative federalism.
