President Bola Tinubu has established a new Ministry of Livestock Development. He announced this on Tuesday during the inauguration of the presidential committee on livestock reforms. The minister for this newly created ministry will be named soon.
The president approved the formation of the presidential committee on September 14, 2023, to address conflicts between herders and farmers and to strengthen the livestock and dairy industries. This decision followed a report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria, which included 21 recommendations, one of which was to create a ministry dedicated to livestock resources.
Tinubu stated that the committee would collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to develop lasting solutions to the ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders, ensuring the security and economic well-being of all Nigerians.
To support this initiative, the federal government will fully fund the acquisition of land to facilitate the coexistence of herders and farmers. Tinubu highlighted the potential benefits, including employment opportunities for veterinary doctors, new educational opportunities for herders and their children, and the establishment of medical facilities.
“These opportunities will provide gainful employment for our veterinary doctors and open doors for the private sector. New educational opportunities for herders and their children will emerge, along with the establishment of medical facilities. This is a life-changing opportunity,” Tinubu said.
“Imagine us producing enough milk for our school children, becoming net exporters of cheese and yoghurt, developing a major Nigerian leather industry, and providing cold storage facilities and employment across the nation.”
Tinubu emphasized that these goals are achievable.
