The Federal Government says it plans to create about 7,000 direct jobs through an estate-based ranching programme aimed at expanding livestock production and increasing youth and women participation in the sector.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this during a meeting with the management of Access Bank Plc in Abuja yesterday.
Maiha said the proposed ranching model would provide opportunities for youths and women to participate in ranch operations and other livestock-related businesses while supporting modern 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,” he said.
The minister said the initiative forms part of efforts to transform the livestock sector into a stronger contributor to economic growth, food security and employment generation.
He added that the ministry was also exploring financing models suited to livestock production, particularly dairy farming, which requires longer production cycles before generating returns.
Maiha 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 efficiency across the livestock value chain.
According to him, the proposed facilities would each have the capacity to process at least 1,000 cattle daily.
He also stressed the need for increased investment in feed and fodder production, noting that improved animal nutrition remains critical to boosting livestock productivity.
Speaking earlier, Access Bank Public Relations Manager, Jonathan Oloniyo, expressed the bank’s willingness to collaborate with the ministry to support livestock sector development initiatives.