Beef and buffalo meat market in Nigeria

Earlier Report Observations

The beef and buffalo meat market in Nigeria grew from 318.2 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 326.1 thousand tonnes in 2019, supported by the government's ban on imports of unprocessed beef, which protected local producers from foreign competition. Subsequently, market volume stabilized and experienced slight declines, reaching 319.4 thousand tonnes in 2023, as consumer price sensitivity due to inflation and economic conditions reduced meat affordability and consumption.

Throughout the period, the market remained characterized by traditional pastoral systems with low productivity and informal slaughter practices. Significant developments included the announcement in 2023 of a $2.5 billion investment by JBS to construct six commercial-scale processing plants, aiming to enhance meat processing capacity. Government policies continued to restrict imports to promote self-sufficiency, while reforms focused on improving livestock productivity, meat hygiene standards, and trade protocols, such as the animal health export agreements signed with the United States.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Nigeria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

Nigeria's beef and buffalo meat production saw a decline after two consecutive years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 326.1 thousand tons, but then remained stable in 2020 at 325.4 thousand tons. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 8.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Nigeria in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Nigeria

Exports in kind, t

The export data for beef and buffalo meat from Nigeria shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. In 2017, exports hit their lowest point, while they peaked in 2018 at 138.5 tons, marking a 5.3-fold increase between these two years. By 2019, exports had dropped to 56.0 tons, representing a sharp decline of 59.6% compared to the previous year. The most dramatic year-on-year increase was recorded in 2018, with a surge of 431.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Nigeria in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Nigeria's beef and buffalo meat exports in volume terms were heavily concentrated, with Vietnam and Myanmar together accounting for 91.7% of total exports. The remaining markets contributed only a small fraction, forming a long tail of minor players.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Nigeria in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Nigeria's beef and buffalo meat exports in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2019, exports amounted to 28.8 thousand US dollars, showing a steep year-on-year decrease of 70.3%. Over the period from 2017 to 2019, exports fell by 72%, which corresponds to an average annual decline rate of 34.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Nigeria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Vietnam was the dominant player in Nigeria's beef and buffalo meat exports by value, capturing 75.2% of the total. Other countries each held significantly smaller shares, with no single market coming close to Vietnam's dominance.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Nigeria in value, 2017-2020

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Nigeria

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Nigeria's beef and buffalo meat import volume stood at just 0.4 tons, reflecting a sharp year-over-year drop of 99.6%. Over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 99.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -86.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Nigeria in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, South Africa, and Luxembourg were consistently the main sources for Nigeria's beef and buffalo meat imports in volume terms. The United States accounted for 43.3% of imports, South Africa for 30.1%, and Luxembourg for 26.4%, together making up 99.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Nigeria in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Nigeria's beef and buffalo meat imports in value terms reached 0.7 thousand US dollars, indicating a dramatic year-over-year decline of 99.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 99.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -89.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Nigeria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, South Africa, and Luxembourg were the primary suppliers of beef and buffalo meat to Nigeria in value terms. The United States held 44.9% of import value, South Africa 28.4%, and Luxembourg 26.5%, collectively comprising 99.9% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Nigeria in value, 2017-2020