The National Livestock Reforms Committee has advised President Bola Tinubu to establish a Ministry of Livestock Resources. This recommendation aims to curb the longstanding disputes between farmers and roaming cattle herders across the country.
After meeting with the President at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, conveyed this suggestion. The proposal is one of 21 initiatives outlined in a report given to the President, emphasizing a comprehensive federal approach to ongoing violent confrontations.
The report suggests reform strategies focusing on managing conflicts and resources, establishing grazing reserves, and creating a Livestock Ministry, a model used in other West African nations.
Ganduje emphasized the need to categorize herders based on their operational modes and origins. He highlighted the negative economic impact of these conflicts, making Nigeria reliant on imports for livestock products.
He also presented the livestock reform report to the President, emphasizing the pressing requirement for livestock industry reforms and the need for strong institutions to oversee these recommendations. Ganduje assured that the President expressed a keen interest in these suggestions.
Considering Nigeria’s growing population, environmental shifts, and the need for advanced agricultural practices, Ganduje informed the President about the holistic solutions the report offers. He highlighted its potential to boost productivity, better the environment, and diminish farmer-herder clashes. As a former Kano State Governor, Ganduje mentioned his efforts to modernize livestock production and maintain peace among communities.
Chaired by former INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, the report committee consists of experts from diverse sectors, including academia, civil society, and livestock development. Among the attendees were Prof Jibrin Amin, MD Guardian Newspaper Mr. Martins Oloja, Prof Muhammed Kuta, and others.
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