The Federal Government says it plans to create about 7,000 direct jobs through an estate-based ranching programme designed to expand livestock production and boost the participation of youths and women in the sector.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to transform the livestock industry into a stronger driver of economic growth while supporting development across the dairy, red meat and leather value chains through modern ranching systems.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this during a meeting with the management of Access Bank Plc in Abuja. He said the proposed ranching model would provide employment opportunities and promote sustainable livestock production.
“The programme is projected to create about 7,000 direct jobs while supporting growth across the dairy, red meat and leather value chains,” the minister said.
Maiha added that the ministry was exploring financing models tailored to livestock production, particularly dairy farming, which typically requires longer production cycles before yielding returns.
He further disclosed that plans were underway to establish modern abattoirs in selected states and the Federal Capital Territory to improve meat quality, food safety and operational efficiency across the livestock value chain.