President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially established the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, marking a significant step towards addressing ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee at the State House on Tuesday, July 9.
In attendance at the inauguration were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and other cabinet members.
President Tinubu’s decision to create the ministry follows his approval on September 15, 2023, to establish a Presidential Committee dedicated to reforming the livestock industry.
This initiative aims to provide long-term solutions to the persistent conflicts between herders and farmers across the country.
The establishment of the ministry builds upon recommendations from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and the Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria, highlighting the government’s commitment to tackling critical issues affecting agricultural productivity and communal harmony.
It follows his approval, ten months ago, for the establishment of this committee to tackle the recurrent clashes between herders and farmers and to bolster the livestock and dairy industries.
The committee, initially chaired by APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, presented 21 key recommendations to President Tinubu, including the creation of a Ministry of Livestock Resources.
President Tinubu emphasized that the committee will collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to devise sustainable solutions to the age-old crisis.
No ministerial appointment has been announced for the new ministry as of yet, but expectations are high for the ministry to play a pivotal role in revitalizing Nigeria’s livestock sector and promoting sustainable development.
