According to The Punch on Friday, July 3, 2026, the National President of the National Sheep and Goat Development Association of Nigeria, Abdullateef Ahmed, has urged Nigerian youths and workers in active service to invest in sheep and goat farming, describing it as a profitable agribusiness capable of creating jobs, improving food security and driving economic growth.
Speaking at the association’s annual conference in Bauchi, Ahmed said the sheep and goat value chain remains largely untapped despite its importance to rural livelihoods. “I encourage you to embrace sheep and goat farming not merely as a traditional occupation but as a modern agribusiness capable of generating wealth, creating jobs and contributing to national development,” he said.
Ahmed identified disease outbreaks, poor breeding programmes, limited access to finance, insecurity, weak markets and underdeveloped value chains as major challenges facing the sector. He said the association would continue providing training, mentorship and market opportunities for livestock farmers.
He also praised President Bola Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and commended the Bauchi State Government for supporting livestock development. Representing Governor Bala Mohammed, Livestock Development Commissioner Bala Lukshi announced plans to convert an existing facility into a Small Ruminant Development Centre to improve breeding and promote modern livestock production.
