Tinubu Establishes Federal Ministry of Livestock Development

President Bola Tinubu announced the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development on Tuesday, marking a significant step in his administration’s efforts to reform the livestock sector and address ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria.

The announcement was made during the inaugural meeting of the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Present at the meeting were high-profile officials, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Senator George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other cabinet members.

While President Tinubu did not disclose the name of the Minister for the newly created ministry, it is anticipated that any nominee for this position will require Senate verification, should they be new to the office.

The formation of this ministry follows President Tinubu’s approval on September 15, 2023, for the establishment of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms. The committee’s objectives are to overhaul the livestock sector and develop sustainable solutions to the recurring conflicts between farmers and herders, which have been a significant source of tension and violence across various regions of the country.

The creation of the committee was a direct response to the recommendations from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria. The conference provided a comprehensive report that highlighted the need for systemic reforms and proposed strategic measures to mitigate the conflicts and promote harmonious coexistence.

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The new ministry is expected to spearhead the implementation of these reforms, focusing on modernizing livestock farming practices, enhancing productivity, and fostering peaceful relations between different agricultural communities. This move aligns with President Tinubu’s broader agenda of economic diversification and rural development, aiming to harness the potential of Nigeria’s livestock sector as a significant contributor to national growth.

As the ministry takes shape, stakeholders and citizens alike are hopeful that it will bring lasting solutions to the challenges faced by the livestock industry and pave the way for a more prosperous and stable agricultural sector in Nigeria.