By Peter Adelowo
The federal government says it will partner the Jigawa State government in livestock development for sustained food production and economic prosperity of the country.
The minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated this when he received the Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi at the ministry in Abuja.
He noted that part of the partnership will be the establishment of a joint task force to identify priority areas and develop actionable policies for immediate implementation.
While commending the Jigawa State for its pro-livestock policy, the minister said the state government’s blueprint for livestock development is a model that is worth emulating 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.
Earlier in his remarks,
Governor Mallam Umar Namadi, identified areas of partnership between the federal and Jigawa State governments to included 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.
He stressed the importance of a strong partnership between state governments and the Ministry to unlock the untapped potential 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.
