By Cross Udo, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday announced the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
The President announced while inaugurating the Renewed Hope livestock Reform Implementation Committee, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
But President Tinubu did not mention the name of the Minister for the new ministry as it is expected that he will forward the name of the Minister nominee to the Senate for screening and confirmation if it’s a new nomination
Recall that President Tinubu on 15th September 2023, had approved the establishment of the Presidential Committee dedicated to the reform of the livestock industry and the provision of long-term solutions to recurring clashes between herders and farmers in the country.
The setting up of the committee was sequel to the submission of a report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria.
Speaking while inaugurating the committee, President Tinubu said, “I’m here before you to inaugurate the committee for the implementation of the livestock in our beloved country. 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.
“First and foremost, to provide impetus to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming, dairy product, cold chain logistics, collectively offers substantial commercial and economic advantages.
“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.
“The dairy industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security that supplying essential proteins and vitamins through the milk and its derivatives such as chess, yogurt, butter, and economic advantages.
“Efficient cold-chain, logistics are crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of these perishable goods from farm to market, thereby reducing food waste and ensuring a steady supply.
“This sector will boost agricultural productivity, enhance export opportunities, and stimulate economic growth by fostering a robust value chain that benefits farmers, processors, herders, distributors, and consumers alike.
“Let me take advantage of the presence here, to thank the former executive governor of Kano State and chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje for assembling the best minds and experts to find a solution by convening a national conference on livestock reforms and mitigation of associate conflicts in Nigeria in February last here.
“The far-reaching recommendation in their report informed our decision to constitute and inaugurate this presidential committee on the implementation of livestock reforms and seize the great opportunity to better the lives of our people, rather than the conflict-promoted agenda.
“It is our renewed hope and I believe that hope is here in trying to see a great opportunity for wealth in a very conducive situation. I must mention here that, I have discussed on several occasions with the governors, the need to seize this opportunity, let’s run with it from here.”
*Inaugurates implementation c’ttee with Jega as deputy chair
He appealed that partisan politics should be removed in carrying out the assignment and announced that he is the chairman of the committee, while the former National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega will serve as his deputy or co-chair.
He explained why the APC National Chairman, Ganduje was removed, stressing that he wanted to remove anything politics in the assignment.
“This is not about politics, this is about opportunity, and this is about our nation. So, while I may be absent, Jega will preside and contribute to the promotion,” he said.
Continuing, he said, “We’ve solved the problem, we have identified the models for livestock management, it is done in other countries, in other climes successfully promoted. It created a great economy and empowerment for ordinary people.
“Traditional livestock system must be reformed to add significant and sustainable value to Nigeria’s social economic growth and development. With all the measures that are available to us.
“I don’t want us to turn this environment into another talk opportunity, I just want to inaugurate this committee to ensure that I am ready. I assure you and the Nigerian public that we need to create this economy and seize this opportunity.
“These ranches you recommend, and promote, I will work with it. Luckily, we have an information and technology Minister present too, herds of cows can be identified with chips and be tracked these days. If other technologies are available to us, we are ready to work. As I said from the beginning, with you, all of you, the solution is here and we must run with it.
“The governors are hereby represented, any law that might inhibit the promotion and the actualization of our objective, the Attorney General is here, please give it a priority, and the budget and economic planning minister is here, find a budget head for it to grow and finance is here as well to work hard for the money.
“When you have a great opportunity as this, why should Nigeria continue in conflict with the caliber of the people that is here?
“This presents a unique opportunity also to delineate and establish a separate ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development. We will develop the economy, and give people the opportunity to excel.
“Our vet doctors can give us the necessary opportunity to rear, crossbreed, and stop the wanton killings, even animal feeds are a huge economy.
“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 programme and the success of the entire nation. So we leave a Nigerian flag without a stain on our children. Thank you very much.”
Present at the Inauguration were the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila among other cabinet members.
