Abuja:The Federal Government is actively encouraging private investment in livestock processing, leather manufacturing, and fodder production to bolster local industries and enhance Nigeria’s non-oil export revenues. Mr. Idi Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, highlighted these opportunities at the AGROMEQA Expo 2026, held in Abuja, with the theme ‘Technology and Investment for Agro-Expo’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the expo was organized by the ACCI’s Agricultural Trade Group in partnership with JMT Plus Farms and Agro-Allied, aiming to advance mechanization, innovation, and export development. Maiha emphasized the potential of Nigeria’s domestic market in expanding livestock businesses to meet rising demand. He stressed the importance of animal identification, disease surveillance, laboratory testing, and traceability to ensure product safety and meet international standards.
Maiha pointed to Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania as models of successful dairy and red meat production through investment and organization. He noted that Nigeria already supplies leather to European and Asian markets, with the industry’s potential estimated at over one billion dollars. He urged investors to focus on creating finished leather products such as footwear and bags, using advanced technologies.
Dr. Olasetemi Thompson, Vice-President of ACCI on Agriculture and Livestock, stated that the expo could help mitigate insecurity by creating agricultural opportunities. Dr. Jani Ibrahim, President of NACCIMA, called for enhanced private-sector investment in agricultural mechanization and export infrastructure to boost non-oil exports and employment.
Ibrahim highlighted that Nigeria’s non-oil exports reached a record 6.1 billion dollars in 2025, driven by agricultural commodities like cocoa beans and cashew nuts. He advocated for investments in storage and processing infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and stressed the importance of quality assurance and certification to meet international standards.
Mr. Ewaen Imohe, Executive Director of NIRSAL, underscored the need for mechanization and innovative financing models to improve agricultural productivity. He emphasized the significance of clustering farmers into cooperatives for better access to resources and financing, contributing to Nigeria’s agricultural exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area.