The National Economic Council (NEC) has constituted a committee on livestock development to fast-track the implementation of a national livestock production framework in Nigeria, as part of efforts to guarantee food security and address the protracted farmer-herder crisis.
The committee was inaugurated on Wednesday during the 155th NEC meeting, which was held virtually and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The Vice President said resolving the farmer-herder conflict through practical and nationally accepted solutions remains critical to ensuring sustainable food production in the country.
According to him, the committee will work closely with relevant stakeholders to drive the implementation of livestock reforms across the federation.
The NEC Livestock Development Committee comprises representatives from the six geopolitical zones: Bauchi State for the North-East, Niger State for the North-Central, Ondo State for the South-West, Imo State for the South-East, Cross River State for the South-South, and Kebbi State for the North-West.
Other members include the Ministers of Livestock Development; Agriculture and Food Security; Budget and Economic Planning; as well as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness.
The council mandated the committee to review the recommendations of the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee and proposals submitted by the Ministry of Livestock Development. It is also to identify states willing to participate in the implementation of the livestock development programme.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier, at the Federal Executive Council meeting of December 10, 2025, directed NEC to collaborate with the Ministry of Livestock Development to develop a comprehensive roadmap for transforming Nigeria’s livestock industry. The resulting proposal was presented to the Council for endorsement, aimed at repositioning the sector as a modern, peaceful and profitable driver of national development.
In his opening remarks at the meeting, Vice President Shettima described food security as a moral obligation of government, stressing that it can only be achieved through durable and inclusive solutions to the farmer-herder crisis.
