The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) on Wednesday convened a stakeholders’ meeting in Ilorin, Kwara State, on the establishment of a regional fodder hub for the North Central and South West corridor.
The meeting brought together key players in the livestock value chain, including government officials, agricultural experts, private sector investors, and development partners, to deliberate on strategies for the successful implementation of the initiative.
Speaking at the meeting, representatives of the ministry emphasized that the proposed fodder hub is a critical component of ongoing efforts to modernize Nigeria’s livestock sector, improve feed availability, and enhance productivity across the targeted regions.
They noted that the North Central and South West corridor was strategically selected due to its strong agricultural base, access to markets, and potential for large-scale feed and fodder production.
Participants at the meeting discussed key issues such as land availability, financing, infrastructure development, and sustainable production systems. They also highlighted the need for collaboration between public and private stakeholders to ensure the long-term success of the project.
The initiative is expected to boost commercial fodder production, support ranching and feedlot systems, and reduce the challenges associated with open grazing. It is also projected to create employment opportunities, strengthen livestock value chains, and contribute to national food security.
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to drive the project forward, describing the fodder hub as a major step toward building a more resilient and competitive livestock industry in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Adviser to the Minister of Livestock Development, Prof. Eustace Iyayi, said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader vision to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector from a $32 billion economy to a $74 billion economy.
He added that the project is also designed to address insecurity and reduce recurring herder-farmer conflicts across the country.
Also speaking, the Kwara State Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Oluwoji Oyawoye, said the initiative comes at a critical time as the livestock sector faces growing challenges, including feed shortages, climate change, and resource-based conflicts.
Oyawoye noted that inadequate access to feed and water remains a major factor driving clashes between farmers and herders, as well as limiting productivity. He disclosed that the Ilemona pasture has been earmarked as a regional fodder bank to support livestock production in Kwara State and neighbouring areas.