The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) says Nigeria can generate over N150bn annually through livestock exports if it complies with international livestock market standards.

The Executive Director (ED) NEPC, Nonye Ayeni said this at the Value Chain Enhancement and Infrastructure Clinic for Effective Livestock Supply Chain and Innovative Market Orientation in Abuja.

The clinic was organised by the Livestock Productivity Enhancement and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).

Ayeni, represented by Mr Macpherson Ileogben, Deputy Director, Product Development, NEPC, said there was need to enhance the value chain to leverage vast opportunities in the livestock sub-sector which included establishing processing plants for meat, dairy and hides.

According to him, this could be through a multi-dimensional approach including research, infrastructure and policies while fostering collaboration between the government, private sector and local communities.

Ayeni said the approach would help in addressing quality concerns and implementing an animal traceability system which remains crucial for accessing the global market.

Ayeni who identify Nigeria as one of Africa’s top producer and exporters of leather, said there was high demand in Europe, Asia and North America.

The ED said in order to double the country’s exports and meet market demands, stakeholders must collectively tackle the prevailing issues in the sector.

“The livestock subsector which is subsumed in agriculture/agribusiness contributes significantly to the economy and food security by providing protein, generating employment and creating wealth,” he said.

Mr Aliyu Sheriff, Special Assistant to the President on Export Expansion, Office of the Vice President, said the livestock sector played an important role in Nigeria’s economy and food security.

He said it contributes significantly to agricultural GDP and provides livelihood for a number of Nigerians in rural areas.

Sheriff further identified the sector as providing an avenue for economic diversification on foreign exchange earnings and sustainable growth.

Mr Ibrahim Usman, President, Nigeria-Saudi Chamber of Commerce, said there was a need to develop the sector very well to generate lots of foreign earnings for the country.

Usman said livestock sector development was not only for local consumption or Nigeria food security but also for external and export to enable the country to generate foreign exchange.