Worsening insecurity is causing Nigeria economic losses of up to ₦7.17 trillion and killing as much as 40 percent of its livestock, particularly cattle, sheep, and goats, according to a report by Agramondis Research and Consulting.
The livestock sector is valued at an estimated 417 million animals, comprising 20.9 million cattle, 49.1 million goats, 88.2 million sheep, and 258.5 million chickens. Pigs account for another 9.2 million.
The industry contributes 10 percent to agricultural GDP, provides a primary source of protein, and employs 4.5 million pastoralists and support workers.
Despite its economic significance, federal investment in the sector remains low. The 2025 budget proposal allocates ₦1.77 billion to improve animal health, strengthen disease prevention, and promote sustainable livestock management.
The report said internal productivity constraints, climate change, and insecurity are hampering growth. Scarcity of grazing land, erratic rainfall, drought, and farmer-herder clashes are reducing feed quality and availability.
Poor record-keeping and lack of livestock data among smallholders remain a major bottleneck, representing a ₦13.63 trillion market opportunity for digital solutions.
Heat stress alone could cut production by 15 percent annually, causing losses worth about ₦904 billion.
The report identified opportunities for investment in genealogical bookkeeping, livestock tracking, veterinary services, climate-resilient breeding, supply chain traceability, digital insurance, and extension services.
It also flagged poor animal husbandry as the biggest untapped investment opportunity, worth ₦24.5 trillion but capital-intensive, and estimated annual drought losses at ₦10.5 trillion, calling for low-cost technologies such as forage conservation, water harvesting, and resilient livestock breeds.
While the government is working with farmers and herders to reduce conflict and improve infrastructure, the report warned that cultural resistance to innovation remains a barrier to adopting sustainable and digital practices.
It recommended targeted farmer education, awareness campaigns, and practical demonstrations to encourage uptake of modern techniques and unlock the sector’s potential to meet rising domestic demand.