Federal Government has planned to partner with the Jigawa State Government on livestock development to enhance food production and promote the country’s economic prosperity.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated this while receiving the Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, at the ministry in Abuja.
He noted that as part of the partnership, a joint task force would be established to identify priority areas and develop actionable policies for immediate implementation.
While commending Jigawa State for its pro-livestock policy, the Minister said that the state government’s blueprint for livestock development serves as a model worthy of emulation by other states.
“When we came on board, we conducted an inventory of all the infrastructure regarding livestock nationwide which include 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.”
“The peace-building model in Jigawa State today is a model that I would recommend for other states to copy.
“I do know that Jigawa State 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 modifying the traditional peace-building mechanism that we inherited from the founding fathers of this country, today, no pastoralist comes into any Jigawa local government without taking permission.” the Ministry inister said.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Malam Umar Namadi identified areas of partnership between the Federal Government and the Jigawa State Government, including 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.
He emphasized the importance of a strong partnership between state governments and the Federal Ministry in unlocking the untapped potential of Nigeria’s livestock industry, stating that the sector is crucial for 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 on 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”, Governor Namadi said.
COV/USMAN MZ
