President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the creation of Ministry of Livestock Development to contribute to food security, economic growth and rural development.
The president also inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms to address obstacles to agricultural productivity and open up new opportunities which will benefit farmers, herders, processors and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain.
The president also appointed former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, as co-chairman of the committee headed by him.
Inaugurating the committee in the Council Chamber at the State House, President Tinubu thanked the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje for his efforts at assembling experienced and reputable experts to ensure the activation of opportunities in the livestock sector, stating that a Ministry of Livestock Development will be created to further explore the potential in the area.
He said implementation of the reforms would require the collective efforts of the committee members drawn from the public and private sectors, state governors and all Nigerians.
“From here, I will appeal to everyone to remove every iota of partisan politics from this. I will assume the chairmanship of the committee as President and appoint Professor Attahiru Jega as my deputy or co-chair.
“This is not about politics; this is about opportunity. This is about our nation. While I may be absent, Jega will preside and continue to promote our objectives.
“When we have great opportunities in our states, why should Nigerians continue to experience conflicts?
“With the calibre of people that are here, this presents a unique opportunity also to delineate and establish a centric ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development. It will give us the opportunity so that our veterinary doctors can have the necessary access to research and cross-breed. We can stop the wanton killings,’’ the president said.
He said the traditional method of livestock farming will need to be reviewed and repositioned with the support of stakeholders, which include state governments, in order to open up new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
...Removing legal obstacles
The president said the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, would ensure the removal of all legal obstacles to the implementation of the reforms, while the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani will provide support with automation.
“Modern technology is available to us. We are ready to work. I said at the beginning, with you, all of you, the solution is here, and we must run with it. Any law that might inhibit the promotion and actualization of our objectives, the Attorney-General is here, please give it a priority; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning is here; create a budget for it to grow, and the Minister of Finance is here as well to work out the money,’’ he said.
…Benefits
He said the reforms would be comprehensive and collective, urging the support of all stakeholders.
“We need to provide the incentive to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming; dairy products and cold-chain logistics collectively offer substantial commercial and economic advantages. We have seen solutions and opportunities. With these adversities that have plagued us over the years, I believe that prosperity is here – in your hands.
“The dairy industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security by supplying essential proteins and vitamins, through milk and its derivatives, such as cheese, yoghurt, and butter. Efficient cold-chain logistics is crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of these perishable goods from farms to markets, thereby reducing food waste and ensuring a steady supply.
“This sector will boost agricultural productivity, enhance export opportunities and stimulate economic growth by fostering a robust value chain that benefits farmers, processors, herders, distributors, and consumers alike.
“Let me thank the former Governor of Kano State and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for assembling the best minds and experts to find solutions by convening the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria in February last year,’’ he said.
In his remarks, the former chairman of the committee thanked the president for taking further action, following the submission of a report on livestock reforms on September 28, 2023.
“We will surpass your expectations and bring succour to Nigerians. Once again, we thank the President,’’ he said.
…Cattle breeders hail Tinubu
Meanwhile, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has commended Tinubu for the creation of the new ministry.
President of the association, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, who stated this in a statement Tuesday in Abuja, said the creation of the ministry would unlock the trillion naira livestock economy.
He also said the ministry would create qualitative and productive jobs across the livestock value chain to improve the Nigerian economy.
“With this development, MACBAN believes, the hope of the Nigerian pastoralists is now achieved under the Renew Hope Agenda.
“The promise made by President Tinubu, to raise the productive capacity of the Nigerian agriculture to ensure food security is being fulfilled.
“We as an association had for years been agitating tooth and nail to actulise the creation of a stand-alone ministry to modernise livestock production system in line with global best practices,” he said.
Othman-Ngelzarma pledged support to the federal government to turn livestock production into a foreign exchange earner, and reduce the farmer/ herder conflicts and its related security challenges.
According to him, Nigerian pastoralists appreciate this historic development, adding that they would reciprocate the gesture .
“On behalf of Chairman and members Board of trustees of MACBAN, his Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, and entire members of Cattle Breeders association of Nigeria across the nation heartily congratulate the President and Commander-in-chief of the Nigerian Armed forces for this wonderful development,” he said.