NEWS
Tinubu Urges Return To Livestock Farming, Pledges Govt Support
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has described neglecting livestock farming and relying on dairy imports, as avoidable and costly mistakes, which would be corrected with the backing of the Federal Government.
He made the remarks in Abuja while opening a two-day Consultative Workshop on Livestock Reforms on Thursday at the State House Conference Centre.
He pledged a robust framework to stimulate prosperity in the sector, instilling confidence in his commitment.
In addition, he assured of government’s support in revamping and repositioning the sector to create employment and attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
“The livestock sector is critical, and we will give all it needs to bring value to our country. Stakeholders, I assure you that you will not regret the collaboration and investment in this sector.
“It is about time that we do it right. A country of over 200 million people and cannot serve our children one pint of milk in a classroom per day? That is not right.
“We didn’t see the investment opportunities. We didn’t see the economy of livestock in the past. Now that we have seen it, we must work together to restart the sector,’’ he said.
President Tinubu commended the Presidential Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, led by the Co-Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, and the Secretary, Prof Muhammed Yahaya Kuta, for their commitment to repositioning the livestock sector.
“Our shared mission is clear: we aim to transform the livestock sector from its current subsistence model into a thriving, commercialised industry, an industry that significantly contributes to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and provides decent jobs and sustainable livelihoods for our growing population.
“The potential is immense: With 563 million chickens, 58 million cattle, 124 million goats, 60 million sheep, and 16 million pigs, Nigeria is the leading livestock producer in West Africa. Yet, despite this vast resource, we face stark realities.
“Our annual production of animal-source foods, like milk at 0.7 billion litres, meat at 1.48 million Tonnes and eggs at 0.69 million metric Tonnes, falls far short of our needs. Our per capita consumption levels—8.7 litres of milk, 9 kg of meat, 3.5kg or 45 eggs per year—are troublingly low compared to global averages. These are 44 litres of milk, 19 kg of meat and between 160 and 180 eggs per year.
“What is more worrisome to me is the average milk yield by cow breeds managed by our pastoralists: it is a mere 0.5 to 1.5 litres per day, compared to a global average of 6.6 litres per day. We can do much better!
“The long-term neglect of the livestock sector has weighed heavily on the country’s import bills, with milk and dairy products accounting for $1.2-1.5 billion.
“Yes, we can do it. We can bring prosperity to our people. We can feed our children. From grass, we can achieve grace. We can contribute so much to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide decent jobs,’’ the President noted.
President Tinubu also thanked the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, chaired by the Governor of Kwara State, Abdurrahman Abdulrazaq, for supporting the reform of animal farming in the country.
“Your Excellency, Chairman of the NGF, Abdulrazaq, thank you for assuring C-of-Os and other instruments from other areas. I also know that the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, with the vast land in his domain in Niger State, will accommodate many investors.
“We didn’t see the cold room investment. We didn’t see that opportunity before now. But it is coming. We are going to give it all it takes.
“The opportunity is there; when I inaugurated the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee, I didn’t see the path clearly until they started working. Thank you, Prof Attahiru Jega,’’ the President stated.
President Tinubu also acknowledged Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for nurturing the idea of reforming the livestock stock, Nuhu Ribadu, national security Adviser, and Nyesom Wike, FCT minister, for their commitment to realising the dream.
“We can create a vivid picture of the future we want to see; it’s the future of our country. The economic opportunities for our children, and with that effort, we can say God bless Nigeria,’’ he stated.
The Chairman of NGF, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, assured of the “100 per cent buy-in of the subnational to make the reform a success because it is not just food security, but national security.’’
Abdulrazaq thanked President Tinubu for leading the initiative by chairing the implementation committee, regretting that past efforts in the same direction were reduced to files in the Ministries of Agriculture in states and local councils due to lack of political will.
He said each state should create a segment for livestock farming and extend the value chain to meat and dairy production.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, thanked the President for his “bold action, exemplary leadership and unparalleled commitment to livestock reform.’’
Kyari assured of working with the Ministry of Livestock Development to realise the president’s vision to diversify the economy and empower more Nigerians.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
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In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.
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