This ministry is very important, especially in driving the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President in terms of food security and the economic development of this country
By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse
Jigawa State governor, Umar Namadi, has made a deliberate working visit to the headquarters of the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Abuja, where he was received by the Minister, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, along with other key officials of the ministry.
The visit served as a platform for fruitful discussions aimed at fostering collaboration in critical areas of livestock development in Nigeria.
Key topics included strategies to encourage investment in livestock farming, the demarcation of cattle routes to address farmer-herder conflicts, and the sustainable development of fertile areas for livestock production.
In his remarks, Governor Namadi stressed on the importance of a strong partnership between state governments and the Federal Ministry to unlock the untapped potential of Nigeria’s livestock industry, stating that the sector is vital in enhancing food security, creating employment opportunities, and boosting the national economy.
“We are here to congratulate you on your appointment. You have come on board at a time when this ministry is most needed in this country. This ministry is very important, especially in driving the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President in terms of food security and the economic development of this country. The Ministry of Livestock Development is a critical ministry, and being part of agriculture, it aligns with Mr. President’s agenda for food security and economic development.”
“We in Jigawa State are already deeply involved in this sector because agriculture is part of our 12-point agenda, where livestock development prominently featured. Honourable Minister, you may recall that we have one of the largest livestock markets in Africa, not just in Nigeria; it is the Maigatari market, well-known to many. We are working hard to improve this market and our airport to further the livestock development agenda in Jigawa State.”
Governor Namadi then highlighted the state’s successful peace-building efforts, including the establishment of a Farmers and Herdsmen Board, which mediates conflicts and ensures a harmonious relationship between the two groups.
“We have established a Farmers and Herdsmen Board to mediate between farmers and herders, ensuring a harmonious relationship. These two groups need to work together for the betterment of the agricultural sector. I am pleased to report that this board is functioning effectively, ensuring that neither herders nor farmers face any exploitation. One of its major tasks is to demarcate and protect grazing reserves,” he said.
“The government is very serious about this, and as of today, we have about 54 gazette grazing reserves, with nearly 60 to 70 reserves on the ground. Most of these reserves have water points, and we have worked to ensure their protection for both farmers and herders. This has significantly improved the relationship between the two groups.”
The governor also shared details of Jigawa State’s goat-breeding program, an initiative launched in 2016 to empower widows across the state. The program has improved goat production and livelihoods significantly, earning national recognition and World Bank support.
In response, the minister, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, commended Governor Namadi’s proactive approach and lauded Jigawa’s efforts as a model for other states to emulate.