The President of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Dr. Moses Arokoya, boldly declared that Nigeria is an untapped livestock powerhouse, possessing over 400 million animals in total.
Speaking at the NVMA’s 61st Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Jalingo, Taraba State, Dr. Arokoya emphasized that this massive resource could be the key to economic transformation and national food self-sufficiency if properly managed. To illustrate the potential, he cited 2023 statistics showing that Nigeria accounts for 89 million goats, meaning roughly one in every six goats in Africa is Nigerian.
Despite this abundance, he lamented that the sector is weighed down by persistent challenges, primarily inadequate manpower and limited government investment, hindering its full potential.
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, who was represented at the event, reaffirmed his administration’s support for veterinary services, acknowledging the state’s rich livestock resources. He highlighted his government’s commitment to food safety and economic development, announcing the completion of the Jalingo abattoir and new frameworks to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
Finally, the Minister of Livestock Development, represented by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, praised the NVMA’s intellectual engagement, reiterating the ministry’s goal to transform the Nigerian livestock sector into a sustainable and globally competitive industry that safeguards animal and public health.
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