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The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has said the Southwest region spends over N800 billion monthly on red meat consumption. DAWN Commission is the dedicated implementation agency for the sustainable development of Southwest Nigeria.
The Director-General of DAWN, Dr. Seye Oyeleye noted that approximately 10,000 cows are slaughtered daily within the region.
He spoke during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Growth & Development Foundation (AGDF) in Osun, aimed at implementing the Community-Led Development Toolkit (COLDET) project.
“The global livestock industry is valued at nearly $10 billion annually, with Southwest Nigeria being the largest consumer of livestock products in the country. Data indicates that Lagos alone accounts for about 7,000 cows consumed each day, while the entire region sees a total of 10,000 to 11,000. At a conservative estimate of N400, 000 per cow, this results in approximately N40 billion daily.
Over five days, this amounts to N200 billion, and over four weeks, or 20 days, the total reaches N800 billion,” he said.
He lamented that despite the region being the largest consumer of livestock products, entrepreneurs and organisations in the region were participating in the sector’s value chain.
“We have come to the conclusion that it is inconceivable for such a significant industry to operate in the southwest without our active involvement. Currently, we find ourselves on the sidelines.
It is widely acknowledged that approximately 99 percent of the livestock we consume, not just cattle, is sourced from outside the region. Instead of remaining mere consumers, why shouldn’t the Southwest also take on the role of cattle producers? We recognize that we possess the arable land and the necessary technology. What remains is to create incentives for those interested in entering the livestock farming sector. Several state governments in the southwest are already taking steps to address this issue,” he said.
He stated that it was imperative for the regional states to advance the livestock sector and increase the production of meat, milk, and poultry. Furthermore, he revealed that DAWN has delivered a ten-year livestock development plan to the governments within the region.
On COLDET, Oyeleye, said: “This initiative reflects our dedication to sustainable development within the region. By enabling communities to recognise their distinct assets and opportunities, we are fostering the capacity for enduring self-sufficiency. COLDET stands out due to its systematic method of community involvement and its emphasis on prioritization based on evidence.”
Expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration, Chairman of the AGDF Steering Committee, Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, said: “The AGDF has launched the ARA2035 Agenda to rejuvenate our ancient community. This initiative aligns perfectly with DAWN’s COLDET project, making it an exemplary partnership. Together, we will illustrate how communities can spearhead their own development with the right resources and assistance.”
Segun Balogun, who leads the COLDET Project, said: “This alliance signifies a crucial transformation in our community development strategy, as we move from conventional top-down approaches to a more sustainable bottom-up model. COLDET will empower local stakeholders to systematically assess their assets, prioritise their needs, and implement sustainable projects.”
The project will employ an integrated framework approach that combines systems practice with other methodologies, providing communities with a robust set of tools for self-assessment and development planning.
The four-month pilot programme will feature detailed community mapping, resource assessments, stakeholder engagement, and the creation of strategic frameworks.
The experiences gained from Ara will be instrumental in refining the toolkit before it is introduced to other communities in Southwest Nigeria. The initiative signifies a major advancement in reshaping Nigeria’s development model, addressing the enduring issues of misaligned priorities and unsustainable outcomes in community development efforts