The National Sheep and Goat Development Association of Nigeria (NSGDAN) has called on young Nigerians and workers in active service to invest in sheep and goat farming, describing the livestock enterprise as a viable pathway to job creation, wealth generation, food security and economic diversification.
The appeal was made by the National President of the association, Abdullateef Ahmed, during the association’s annual conference held on Wednesday in Bauchi.
The conference, themed “Small Ruminants for National Prosperity: Advancing Sheep and Goat Development for Food Security, Job Creation and Economic Diversification,” brought together livestock farmers, industry stakeholders, policymakers and development partners to discuss strategies for expanding Nigeria’s small ruminant sector.
Speaking at the event, Ahmed said sheep and goat farming offers enormous economic opportunities due to the growing demand for meat, breeding stock and other livestock products across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
He noted that increased investment in small ruminant production would not only improve household incomes but also create employment opportunities, particularly for young people and retirees seeking profitable agribusiness ventures.
According to him, expanding sheep and goat production is critical to improving the country’s animal protein supply, strengthening food security and reducing dependence on livestock imports.
Ahmed called on government at all levels to provide greater support for livestock farmers through improved access to financing, quality breeding stock, veterinary services, modern production technologies and extension services.
He also emphasized the need to encourage more youth participation in livestock farming through targeted empowerment programmes, training and skills development initiatives.
Participants at the conference stressed that developing the sheep and goat value chain—from breeding and production to processing and marketing—would enhance rural livelihoods, stimulate agribusiness growth and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable small ruminant production and collaborating with government, private investors and development partners to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s sheep and goat industry.
