NATIONAL LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT POLICY

What Is This Policy?

The NLDP is Nigeria’s blueprint for livestock modernization, it aims to boost productivity, protect farmers and consumers, and make Nigeria a competitive livestock producer globally.

Who Does It Target?

The NLDP targets farmers, herders, veterinarians, feed producers, investors, consumers, regulators, and donors making sure the livestock sector is modern, sustainable, and contributes more to Nigeria’s economy.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

It aims to feed Nigerians better, create jobs, modernize livestock systems, protect animal health, and make Nigeria competitive globally.

Key Features

Food Security & Economic Empowerment: Creates jobs and supports rural livelihoods through livestock-driven growth. Modernization of Livestock Production: Promotes ranching and intensive systems over open grazing. Animal Health & Veterinary Services: Strengthens disease surveillance, vaccination programs, and veterinary public health.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: early rollout and institutional alignment phase Coverage: applies nationwide Beneficiaries to Date: Livestock farmers and herders Funding: funded through federal government allocations to the FMLD.

Important Terms

Term 1- Food Security & Economic Empowerment ensuring steady supply of livestock products (meat, milk, eggs) while creating jobs and supporting rural livelihoods. Term 2-Ranching & Modernization Transition from open grazing to ranch-based systems to improve productivity and reduce farmer–herder conflicts. Term 3- Veterinary & Animal Health Services Strengthening disease surveillance, vaccination programs, and food safety standards through e-veterinary certification.

Official Resources

Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) Website: https://fmld.gov.ng Email: [email protected] Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Livestock Development (OSSAP – The Presidency) Website: https://ossaplivestock.gov.ng (ossaplivestock.gov.ng in Bing) Nigeria Livestock Roadmap (2020–2026) Repository: https://ngfrepository.org.ng (ngfrepository.org.ng in Bing)

Legal Framework

The National Livestock Development Policy operates under the National Livestock Transformation Plan, the Animal Diseases (Control) Act, and the Veterinary Surgeons Act. It aligns with the National Agricultural Policy, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security mandate, and Nigeria's obligations under the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) standards and the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP) on livestock development.