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.
