Nigeria's Livestock Minister Addresses Rising Protein Prices

The Federal Government of Nigeria has indicated that prices for meat, milk, eggs, and other animal-source proteins are expected to remain high due to the country's low-productivity livestock system. Idi Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, explained during a ministerial press briefing in Abuja that Nigeria's animal husbandry practices, the poor genetic potential of indigenous breeds, and the long-distance movement of cattle are significant factors limiting production.

Although Nigeria has approximately 50 million cattle, this number does not equate to sufficient meat or milk due to low productivity. Indigenous cattle take five to six years to mature for slaughter, yielding carcass weights of about 400 kilograms, while improved breeds can reach weights of 300 to 600 kilograms in about 30 months.

In dairy production, indigenous cows produce only 1.2 to two liters of milk daily, compared to 30 to 50 liters from improved breeds. Maiha emphasized the need for genetic improvement as a priority for the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development.