President Bola Tinubu announced on Tuesday the potential establishment of a new Ministry of Livestock Development, aiming to enhance meat and dairy production while addressing the ongoing violence between migrant herders and farmers. The president disclosed this plan during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee at the State House in Abuja.
“When you have a great opportunity like this, why should Nigeria continue in conflict with the calibre of the people that are here?” President Tinubu asked. “This presents a unique opportunity also to delineate and establish a separate ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development. We will develop the economy, give people the opportunity to excel.”
Tinubu emphasized that the proposed ministry would not only boost the economy but also leverage the expertise of veterinary doctors to improve livestock rearing practices and reduce the violence that claims thousands of lives annually. He highlighted the economic potential of animal feeds, which represents a significant market.
The conflict between migrant herders and local farming communities has been a severe issue in states such as Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and Taraba. Previous attempts by past administrations to resolve the violence have had limited success. The 2016 National Ranching Policy, introduced by then Agriculture Minister Audu Ogbeh, aimed to halt the open grazing of cattle and promote ranching. However, it faced substantial criticism and resistance, particularly regarding the acquisition of land for ranching.
In 2019, the Buhari administration launched the Rural Grazing Area (Ruga) program, which also faced backlash and was replaced by the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP). Despite these efforts, clashes between farmers and herders persist, hindering farmers’ access to their lands due to fears of attacks by armed herders.
President Tinubu expressed optimism that his administration’s approach would finally address the longstanding issues. He announced that he would chair the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, with former electoral chief Professor Attahiru Jega serving as co-chairperson.
“I’m here before you to inaugurate the committee for the implementation of the livestock reform in our beloved country,” Tinubu stated. “First, I must say thank you very much to those who said the solution is far. I said no, the solution is here. With these distinguished personalities, the name, the intellectual capacity, the majority of you have great experience and you want Nigeria to prosper.”
The president highlighted the substantial commercial and economic advantages of livestock farming, dairy production, and cold chain logistics. He pointed out that these sectors could significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economy by improving agricultural productivity, enhancing export opportunities, and stimulating growth through a robust value chain benefiting farmers, processors, herders, distributors, and consumers alike.
“We have seen the solution and opportunity, with this adversity that has plagued us over the years, and I believe the prosperity is here in your hands,” Tinubu said. He underscored the importance of the dairy industry in contributing to nutrition and food security, providing essential proteins and vitamins through products like milk, cheese, yoghurt, and butter.
Efficient cold-chain logistics, he added, are crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of perishable goods from farm to market, reducing food waste, and ensuring a steady supply. This would support a strong agricultural sector capable of boosting economic growth.
President Tinubu concluded his speech by officially inaugurating the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, urging its members to work towards the success of the program and the nation. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I hereby inaugurate the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee in Nigeria. It is now in your hands; we are ready to work for the success of this program and for the success of the entire nation. So we leave a Nigerian flag without stain to our children. Thank you very much.”
The creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development represents a significant step in addressing the complex and deeply rooted issues of herders-farmers conflict. If successfully implemented, it could mark a new era of economic development and social stability in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
