Tinubu Creates Ministry Of Livestock Development To Address Farmers-Herders Clash

President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock Development.

This decision came as he inaugurated the Renewed Hope livestock reform implementation committee at the State House in Abuja.

The committee’s task is to find solutions to the long-standing farmers-herders conflict in the country.

Abdullahi Ganduje, former Kano State Governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, explained this recommendation after meeting with the President.

On September 14, 2023, the National Livestock Reforms Committee suggested creating a “Ministry of Livestock Resources” to help reduce conflicts between farmers and nomadic cattle herders.

This suggestion is part of 21 recommendations aimed at addressing violence and improving livestock management.

The document submitted to the President proposes solutions like establishing grazing reserves and creating a Ministry of Livestock Resources, similar to other West African countries.

Alternatively, expanding the existing Departments of Livestock Production could also address industry needs.

“This agenda should include the establishment and resuscitation of grazing reserves as suggested by many experts and well-meaning Nigerians and other methods of land utilisation.

“Create the Ministry of Livestock Resources in line with practice in many other West African countries. In the alternative, Federal and State Governments should expand the scope of existing Departments of Livestock Production to address the broader needs of the industry,” it read.

Ganduje highlighted the need to address the different types of herders in Nigeria and improve the sector’s productivity to reduce import dependency.

The former governor noted that conflicts lead to loss of lives and livelihoods, impacting peaceful coexistence.

Ganduje emphasized that to reform and develop the livestock industry and resolve conflicts, a strong institution is needed.

The Report grew out of the urgent need to reform and develop the livestock industry and to provide solutions to the age-long conflicts between herders and farmers in Nigeria.

“But to find the solution to achieve the desired goals, you’ll need a strong institution.

“We recommended the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock and subsequent agencies so that various aspects of the recommendations will have appropriate institutions for implementation,” the APC helmsman explained 10 months ago.

He noted that the committee also recommended a funding source, including inflows from international organisations, the private sector, and the government.

KanyiDaily recalls that Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of the Dangote Group, had revealed why Nigeria won’t see economic growth under President Bola Tinubu.