Beef, sheep or goat fat market in Nigeria

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for beef, sheep, and goat fat in Nigeria grew from 22 331 tons in 2018 to a peak of 27 311 tons in 2020. This expansion was primarily driven by a sharp increase in imports, which more than tripled over this period. Factors highlighted a significant rise in imports of animal fats in 2018, which continued to supplement domestic production and enlarge the total market supply.

From 2021 onward, the market volume contracted, falling to 20 771 tons by 2023. This decline coincided with the introduction of Nigeria's Fats and Oils Regulations in 2022, which imposed strict limits on industrial trans fats and mandated clear labeling for blends. These regulatory changes affected market demand and import flows. Concurrently, growing consumer awareness about the health impacts of animal fats and a shift in preferences influenced consumption patterns.

In the latter part of the period, government initiatives focused on the livestock sector, such as the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in 2024 and plans for a National Animal Feed Policy, aimed at improving overall productivity. However, the market volume for animal fats stabilized around 20 000 tons, with domestic production remaining steady and imports diminishing to negligible levels.

Production beef, sheep or goat fat in Nigeria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of beef, sheep or goat fat, 2017-2020

World map of production of beef, sheep or goat fat, 2017-2020

Nigeria's production of beef, sheep, or goat fat declined after two years of growth. In 2020, production was broadly stable at 20 430 tonnes compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 6.8%, which equates to an annualized growth rate of 2.2%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 20 472 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 4.8%.

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

Exports beef, sheep or goat fat from Nigeria

According to market data, Nigeria did not export any beef, sheep, or goat fat from 2017 to 2020.

Imports beef, sheep or goat fat to Nigeria

Imports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend over this period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 2 297 tonnes and peaked in 2017, with a 22-fold difference between these years. In 2020, foreign supplies of beef, sheep, or goat fat to Nigeria stood at 6 881 tonnes, marking a dramatic year-on-year increase of 73.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 95.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Uruguay consistently accounted for 85.1% of total imports in volume, indicating a high degree of market concentration alongside a long tail of smaller suppliers.

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

Foreign supplies of beef, sheep, or goat fat to Nigeria declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 5 960 thousand US dollars, representing a strong reduction of 19.5% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 85.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 47.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for imports in value terms were the United States (41.5% of imports), Uruguay (28.8% of imports), and Australia (24.6% of imports), which together accounted for 94.9% of total import flows.

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

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