FG to recruit 1,000 youths per state for livestock value chain

The Federal Government has finalised plans to recruit and train 1,000 youths from each state and the FCT into Nigeria’s livestock value chain, in a coordinated push to strengthen food security, reduce import dependence, and stimulate job creation across the country.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, disclosed this in Kaduna during a panel session at the 2026 Nigeria Public Relations Week organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). He described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at unlocking the country’s underutilised livestock assets.

“This is a very strategic and timely event. The National Institute of Public Relations has taken a bold step to focus national attention on food security, and choosing Kaduna as the venue is no coincidence,” Maiha said.

According to the minister, Kaduna State is rapidly positioning itself as a major hub for livestock development, particularly in dairy production, aligning with federal efforts to reposition the sector for both domestic consumption and export potential.

He explained that the youth-focused programme will span key segments of the value chain, including feed and fodder production, animal health services, poultry farming, rabbit rearing, sheep and goat fattening, cattle production, and milk processing. The structure, he noted, is designed to create a pipeline of skilled participants capable of operating across multiple subsectors.

“This initiative is designed to tap into the energy, creativity, and innovation of Nigeria’s youth, who make up over 65 percent of the population. For us, this is not just a programme, it is the way forward,” he added.

Maiha also pointed to a longstanding imbalance within the sector, noting that despite Nigeria’s estimated 58 million cattle population, the country still spends about $1.5 billion annually on dairy imports. He said recent assessments indicate the livestock industry holds over $32 billion in untapped potential, covering cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, pigs, camels, and donkeys—many of which remain outside formal economic structures.

President of the Africa Public Relations Association (APRA), Arik Karani, emphasised the role of communication in reshaping how agriculture is perceived across Africa.

“I grew up and was educated in Nairobi. From primary school, every child is introduced to all subjects, including agriculture, and agriculture remains a key part of the learning experience,” Karani said.

He argued that early exposure helps remove the stigma associated with farming and positions it as a viable and respectable career path, particularly for young people.

Karani further urged communication professionals to go beyond narrative building and focus on translating government policies into practical, accessible information for farmers and rural communities.

Earlier, Vice Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Emmanuel Dandaura, highlighted the need to make agriculture more attractive, technology-driven, and youth-oriented.

He noted that with the right tools, young Nigerians can leverage smartphones and digital platforms to access markets, monitor production processes, and build scalable agribusiness solutions. He also stressed the importance of integrating modern science, biotechnology, and digital innovation into agricultural education, alongside promoting values such as accountability and responsibility across the value chain.

The initiative signals a broader policy direction by the Federal Government to formalise and industrialise livestock production, while positioning youth participation as a central driver of sectoral transformation.