From Abdullahi Idris, Bauchi
As part of his administration’s efforts to transform the agricultural sector, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State paid a working visit to the headquarters of the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Abuja, with the aim of fostering collaboration in critical areas of livestock development.
Key topics include strategies to encourage investment in livestock farming, demarcation of cattle routes to address farmer-herder conflicts and the sustainable development of fertile areas for livestock production.
Governor Namadi stressed the importance of a strong partnership between state governments and the ministry to unlock the untapped potentials 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. It 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 critical and being part of agriculture, it aligns with Mr President’s agenda for food security and economic development.
“We, in Jigawa State, are deeply involved in this sector because agriculture is part of our 12-point agenda, where livestock development prominently featured. 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 livestock development agenda in Jigawa State,” the governor said.
He highlighted the state’s successful peace-building efforts, including the establishment of Farmers and Herdsmen Board, which mediates conflicts and ensures a harmonious relationship between the two groups.
In response, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha commended Governor Namadi’s proactive approach and lauded Jigawa’s efforts as a model for other states to emulate.
“Your Excellency, I have keenly followed developments in Jigawa State and have noted with a high sense of gratitude that your government is pro-livestock and has continued to do a lot. You have also mapped out lofty areas where this is going to be driven.
“When we came on board, we conducted an inventory of all the infrastructure regarding livestock nationwide—grazing reserves, cattle routes, available water bodies in terms of dams and livestock markets across the country. We are thrilled with the progress of the inventory as far as Jigawa State is concerned.
“Your Excellency, the peace-building model in Jigawa State today is a model that I would commend for other sub-nationals to copy. I do know that Jigawa has so far remained one of those areas with the lowest incidences of farmer-herder challenges. This is simply because you have believed in and completely modified the traditional peace-building mechanism that we inherited from the founding fathers of this country. I do know that today, no pastoralist comes into any Jigawa local government without taking permission,” the minister said
Part of the partnership will be the establishment of a joint task force to identify priority areas and develop actionable policies for immediate implementation.
