The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has commenced a nationwide baseline study aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s livestock sector through data-driven planning and policy formulation.
The Ministry disclosed that the study is designed to establish a credible, evidence-based foundation for its Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework, while supporting sustainable growth across the livestock value chain.
According to a statement issued at the weekend by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Henrietta Okokon, the initiative covers 67 result indicators and seeks to assess the current state of the sector, track performance over time, and guide investment decisions.
She noted that the study aligns with the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and results-oriented governance within the broader national development agenda.
Fieldwork for the exercise was conducted between April 20 and 24, 2026, using a mixed-methods approach that combined secondary data analysis, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to ensure both quantitative and qualitative insights.
The Ministry adopted a comprehensive value chain approach, covering key areas such as cattle production (beef and dairy), poultry (broilers, layers, and hatcheries), small ruminants (sheep and goats), piggery, micro livestock, feed and fodder systems, as well as critical support services including veterinary care, logistics, and market infrastructure.
To ensure inclusivity and nationwide representation, field activities were carried out across six states, reflecting Nigeria’s diverse geographic and production systems.
Stakeholders involved in the study included producers, pastoralists, ranch operators, processors, traders, marketers, input suppliers, service providers, and government regulatory bodies, providing a broad-based perspective on the sector.
The Ministry added that the findings of the baseline study would be released in the coming weeks and are expected to serve as a benchmark for measuring progress, guiding targeted interventions, and improving coordination within the livestock ecosystem.
The study is also expected to contribute significantly to food security, economic diversification, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods across the country.


