Jigawa set to partner FG in livestock development

…As Governor Namadi gives update on progress so far

The administration of Governor Umar Namad in Jigawa State has said it was entering into partnership with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, as part of the administration’s initiative geared toward transforming the agricultural sector.

Speaking during a working visit to the headquarters of the Ministry of Livestock Development, in Abuja, Friday, Governor Namadi said the partnership was designed to modernise the rearing of livestock in the state.

He noted that the visit was conceived to serve as a platform for fruitful discussions aimed at fostering collaboration in critical areas of livestock development in Nigeria.

According to him, some of the key issues discussed during the visit included strategies to be adopted that will encourage investment in livestock farming, the demarcation of cattle routes to address farmer-herder conflicts, and the sustainable development of fertile areas for livestock production.

Governor Namadi stressed the importance of a strong partnership between state governments and the Federal 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.

“This ministry is very important, especially in driving the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President in terms of food security and the economic development of this country. The Ministry of Livestock Development is a critical ministry, and being part of agriculture, it aligns with Mr. President’s agenda for food security and economic development.

“We in Jigawa State are already deeply involved in this sector because agriculture is part of our 12-point agenda, where livestock development prominently featured.

“Honourable Minister, you may recall that we have one of the largest livestock markets in Africa, not just in Nigeria; it is the Maigatari market, well-known to many. We are working hard to improve this market and our airport to further the livestock development agenda in Jigawa State,” the governor said.

Governor Namadi then highlighted the state’s successful peace-building efforts, including the establishment of a Farmers and Herdsmen Board, which mediates conflicts and ensures a harmonious relationship between the two groups.

“We have established a Farmers and Herdsmen Board to mediate between farmers and herders, ensuring a harmonious relationship. These two groups need to work together for the betterment of the agricultural sector. I am pleased to report that this board is functioning effectively, ensuring that neither herders nor farmers face any exploitation. One of its major tasks is to demarcate and protect grazing reserves.

“The government is very serious about this, and as of today, we have about 54 gazetted grazing reserves, with nearly 60 to 70 reserves on the ground. Most of these reserves have water points, and we have worked to ensure their protection for both farmers and herders. This has significantly improved the relationship between the two groups,” he said.

The governor also shared details of Jigawa State’s goat-breeding programme, an initiative launched in 2016 to empower widows across the state. The programme has improved goat production and livelihoods significantly, earning national recognition and World Bank support.

In his response, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, minister of livestock development, commended Governor Namadi’s proactive approach and lauded Jigawa’s efforts as a model for other states to emulate.

“Your Excellency, I have keenly followed developments in Jigawa State and have noted with a high sense of gratitude that your government is pro-livestock and has continued to do a lot. You have also mapped out lofty areas where this is going to be driven under the desk of His Excellency,” the minister remarked.

According to him, “When we came on board, we conducted an inventory of all the infrastructure regarding livestock nationwide—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.

“Your Excellency, the peace-building model in Jigawa State today is a model that I would commend for other sub-nationals to copy. I do know that Jigawa State has so far remained one of those areas with the lowest incidences of farmer-herder challenges. This is simply because you have believed in and completely modified the traditional peace-building mechanism that we inherited from the founding fathers of this country. I do know that today, no pastoralist comes into any Jigawa local government without taking permission.”

As part of the partnership, a joint task force is to be established to identify priority areas and develop actionable policies for immediate implementation.