“Nigeria Risks Losing Out on $10.5bn Global Animal Waste Market Over Policy Gaps, Infrastructure Deficit”

Story written by Uzuh Rita September 8,2025

Nigeria is losing access to a booming $10.5 billion global animal waste market due to the absence of a clear policy framework and inadequate infrastructure, experts have warned.

Animal waste, defined as livestock droppings rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, is increasingly being transformed worldwide into bioenergy, organic fertiliser, and sustainable materials. Industry forecasts suggest the market could expand to $18.3 billion by 2030, creating massive opportunities for countries prepared to harness the resource.

Across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, livestock by-products are being repurposed to reduce environmental pollution and power sustainable agriculture. China, for instance, generates nearly 3.8 billion tons of livestock and poultry manure annually, with less than 60 percent currently being utilised—underscoring both the potential and the challenges of large-scale waste conversion.

Despite having one of the largest livestock populations in Africa, Nigeria remains on the sidelines. Analysts say the lack of investment, modern infrastructure, and policy direction has prevented the country from participating meaningfully in this high-value industry.

Chuka Mordi, Chief Executive Officer of Ellah Lakes Plc, described animal waste as a potential billion-dollar economy for Nigeria if properly harnessed.

“Animal waste can be a very valuable resource when processed as fertiliser to improve soil health and plant growth. Beyond its environmental benefits, replacing synthetic fertilisers with organic waste products alone is a billion-dollar opportunity,” Mordi explained.

He added that Nigeria’s missed opportunity is not only about infrastructure but also about knowledge gaps.

“University agriculture departments should include waste-to-resource innovations in their curricula, while government extension services must be updated to educate smallholders and entrepreneurs,” he said.

With global demand for renewable energy, organic fertilisers, and sustainable agricultural inputs rising, stakeholders argue that Nigeria must urgently design a national animal waste policy and invest in processing infrastructure to unlock new revenue streams and environmental benefits.