Livestock Minister To Leverage Grazing Reserve To Address Farmers/Herder Clashes
By Ene Okwanihe, Abuja
The Minister of Livestock Development says the Ministry under him will leverage on the nation’s grazing reserves as a sustainable approach to end Farmer/Herder clashes in the country.
The Minister, Mr. Idi Maiha stated this when he assumed office in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.
He stated that one of his top priorities is empower stakeholders in the sector by creating an enabling environment for investors.
“One of my top priorities is to ensure that our policies and programmes empower stakeholders within the sector, from smallholder farmers to large-scale producers. We shall work to create an enabling environment that allows for investment, climate smart livestock farming, modernization and commercialization”
“Also, we shall prioritize maximum utilization and development of the nation’s grazing reserves as a sustainable approach to addressing farmer-herder’s clashes“,he added.
On youth and women empowerment, Mr. Maiha noted that the livestock value chain will be utilised to create job opportunities for the teeming youth and women.
“we shall work towards incentivizing youths and women participation in livestock value chain as a veritable alternative to job creation, improved livelihood and wealth creation. To do this, we shall forge partnerships across government institutions, private sector, research institutions, and development partners” .
He added that “we shall introduce and adopt international best husbandry and breeding practices, improve animal health and food safety services, enhance market access and champion animal welfare”.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Chinyere Akujobi said together they would work to reposition the livestock sector in the country.
“Together, we will work to ensure the much deserved new dawn in Livestock development, create jobs, improve livelihoods, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth, including enhancing our global competitiveness”.
The Ministry of Livestock Development was established by President Bola Tinubu on July 9 2024 its core mandates are;
1. Formulation, implementation, and monitoring of livestock development and animal health policies and programs.
2. Development of grazing reserves, ranches, pastoral welfare initiatives, and conflict mitigation strategies.
3. Establishment of efficient national animal health management services, including the One Health approach.
4. Development and maintenance of livestock sector infrastructure to support sustainable growth.
5. Promotion of public-private sector investments in the livestock industry.
Oyenike Oyeniyi
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