President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday announced the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, signaling a significant step towards reforming Nigeria’s livestock industry.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The President, while inaugurating the committee, did not disclose the name of the minister who will head the new ministry. It is expected that a nominee will be forwarded to the Senate for screening and confirmation in due course.
Prominent figures in attendance included Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, among other cabinet members.
The establishment of the ministry follows President Tinubu’s earlier approval on September 15, 2023, to form a Presidential Committee dedicated to livestock industry reform. This committee aims to address long-term solutions to the recurrent clashes between herders and farmers, a significant issue in Nigeria.
The Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee was constituted in response to the report submitted by the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria. This conference highlighted the urgent need for structured reforms to mitigate the frequent and often violent conflicts between herders and farmers over grazing lands and resources.
During his address, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of the new ministry in achieving sustainable development in Nigeria’s livestock sector. He noted that the ministry would be pivotal in implementing policies and strategies designed to enhance productivity, improve livestock health, and ensure peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers.
“This new ministry represents our commitment to addressing the challenges within the livestock sector comprehensively,” President Tinubu stated. “By fostering development and implementing reform, we aim to transform this sector into a robust contributor to our economy and a source of harmony in our communities.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking at the event, reiterated the administration’s dedication to finding lasting solutions to the herder-farmer conflicts. He expressed confidence that the new ministry would spearhead initiatives that promote modern livestock practices, enhance agricultural output, and reduce tensions in rural areas.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, also expressed their support for the new ministry. They highlighted the critical role it would play in driving agricultural innovation and ensuring food security in Nigeria.
The Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee is expected to begin its work immediately, focusing on developing frameworks and action plans that align with the goals of the newly established ministry.
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