Determined to end the perennial clashes between farmers and itinerant herders and restructure livestock farming, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday created the Ministry of Livestock Development.
He announced the creation of the ministry during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee at the State House, Abuja.
The President, who chairs the committee, promised to implement recommendations on ranching and other livestock reforms to boost the economy.
He named former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Mahmud Jega, as the co-Chairman of the body that has been mandated to minimize the age-long conflict between farmers and herders in the country.
Stressing the potential of the livestock industry to boost agricultural productivity, export opportunities and economic growth, the president noted that the sector contributes significantly to nutrition and food security.
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He thanked former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje for convening a national conference on livestock reforms and commended the committee members for their expertise and commitment.
The President emphasized that the initiative was not driven by politics but a non-partisan desire to seize opportunities for wealth creation and nation-building.
He assured the public of his administration’s readiness to drive the committee for the creation of a thriving economy with the creation of a separate Ministry of Livestock Development.
He urged committee members to work towards a lasting legacy for future generations, the President said: “I’m here before you to inaugurate the committee for the implementation of the livestock in our beloved country. First, I must say thank you very much. To those who said the solution is far, I said no, the solution is here.
“With these distinguished personalities – the names and the intellectual capacities, majority of you have great experience and you want Nigeria to prosper.
“First and foremost, to provide impetus to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming, diary product, cold chain logistics, collectively offers substantial commercial and economic advantages. We have seen the solution and opportunity, with this adversity that has plagued us over the years, and I believe the prosperity is here in your hands.
“The dairy industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security that supply essential proteins and vitamins through milk and its derivatives such as chess, yoghurt, butter and economic advantages.
“Efficient cold-chain, logistics are crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of these perishable goods from farm to market, thereby reducing food waste and ensuring a steady supply.
“This sector will boost agricultural productivity, enhanced export opportunities and stimulate economic growth by fostering a robust value chain that benefit farmers, processors, herders, distributors and consumers alike.
“The far reaching recommendations of the national conference on livestock reforms report informed our decision to constitute and inaugurate this Presidential Committee on the Implementation of Livestock Reforms and seize the great opportunity to better the lives of our people, rather than the conflict promoted agenda.
“It is our renewed hope and I believe that hope is here in trying to see a great opportunity for wealth in a situation that is very conducive. I must mention here that I have discussed in a number of occasions with the governors, the need to seize this opportunity, let’s run with it from here.
“At this juncture, I will appeal to remove everything of partisan politics from it, assume the chairmanship of the committee as the president and appointed Prof Attahiru Jega as my deputy or co-chair and I asked Dr. Ganduje, we say thank you, just remove yourself so that anything of politics in this environment will be erased completely.
“This is not about politics, this is about opportunity, this is about our nation. So, while I may be absent, Jega will preside and contribute to promote.
“We’ve solved the problem, we have identified the models for livestock management, it is done in other countries, in other climes successfully promoted. It created great economy and empowerment for ordinary people,” the President said.
At the Inauguration were Vice-President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, among other members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).