President Bola Tinubu has announced the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock Development.He made the announcement while inaugurating the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.
A minister will be named for the new ministry in due course.“This presents a unique opportunity to delineate and establish a separate ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development,” he declared.
The Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, set up in September last year, was headed by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Ganduje.
However, he has been replaced by the former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, as deputy chairman.
The committee was established to address the recurring farmers-herders clashes in the country and to enhance the livestock value chain.
President Tinubu acknowledged that while some had expressed doubts about finding a lasting solution to the problems plaguing the sector, he had always believed something could be done.
“With the inauguration of this committee, the solution has now been found,” President Tinubu stated.
He added, “I’m here to inaugurate the committee for the implementation of livestock reforms in our beloved country. I must say thank you to those who thought the solution was far off. I said no, the solution is here.
“With these distinguished personalities, their names, their intellectual capacity, and their experience, you all want Nigeria to prosper.
“First and foremost, to provide impetus to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming, dairy products, and cold chain logistics, which collectively offer substantial commercial and economic advantages.
“We have seen solutions and opportunities amid the adversity that has plagued us for years. I believe prosperity is now within our reach.
“The dairy industry significantly contributes to nutrition and food security by supplying essential proteins and vitamins through milk and its derivatives such as cheese, yogurt, and butter. 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, enhance export opportunities, and stimulate economic growth by fostering a robust value chain that benefits farmers, processors, herders, distributors, and consumers alike.”
Tinubu thanked Ganduje for assembling a competent team for the committee and for his efforts in laying the groundwork.
However, he stated that the former Kano governor could no longer continue as chairman of the committee to strip it of any political connotations. Tinubu himself will be the chairman, with Jega as his deputy, stepping in whenever he is absent.
Tinubu also emphasized the need to reform the traditional livestock system to add significant and sustainable value to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and development.
The president said: “Let me take advantage of this occasion to thank the former executive governor of Kano State and the chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, for assembling the best minds and experts to find solutions by convening a national conference on livestock reforms and mitigation of associated conflicts in Nigeria in February last year.
“The far-reaching recommendations in their report informed our decision to constitute and inaugurate this presidential committee on the implementation of livestock reforms and seize the great opportunity to improve the lives of our people, rather than promote conflict.
“It is our renewed hope, and I believe that hope is here. We see a great opportunity for wealth in a very conducive situation.
“I must mention that I have discussed with the governors on several occasions the need to seize this opportunity and run with it from here.
“At this juncture, I appeal to remove all partisan politics from it. I assume the chairmanship of the committee as the president and appoint Professor Attahiru Jega as my deputy or co-chair.
“And I ask Dr. Ganduje to step down so that any political influence 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 this cause.
“We’ve solved the problem, we have identified models for livestock management successfully promoted in other countries. It created a great economy and empowerment for ordinary people.
“The traditional livestock system must be reformed to add significant and sustainable value to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and development. With all the measures available to us, I don’t want this environment to turn into another talk shop. I want to inaugurate this committee to ensure that I am ready.
“I assure you and the Nigerian public that we need to create this economy and seize this opportunity. These ranches you recommend and promote, I will work with them. And luckily, we have the Minister of Information and Technology present too. Herds of cows can now be identified with chips and tracked. If other technologies are available to us, we are ready to work. As I said from the beginning, with all of you, the solution is here, and we must run with it.
“The governors are represented here. Any law that might inhibit the promotion and actualization of our objective, the Attorney General is here, please give it priority. The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning is here, find a budget head for it to grow, and the Minister of Finance is here as well to work hard for the money.
“When you have a great opportunity like this, why should Nigeria continue in conflict with the caliber of people present here?
“We will develop the economy and give people the opportunity to excel. Our vet doctors can give us the necessary opportunity to rear, crossbreed, and stop the wanton killings. Even animal feed is a huge economy.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I hereby inaugurate the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee in Nigeria.
“It is now in your hands. We are ready to work for the success of this program and for the success of the entire nation so we can leave a Nigerian flag without stain for our children.
