Livestock farming

By Muhammad Sabiu

A groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector has been launched with the inauguration of the Livestock Value Chain for Youth and Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited. The cooperative aims to empower youth and women through value addition, targeting a ₦4 billion increase in livestock export value within the next three years.

Speaking during the virtual launch and swearing-in ceremony, President and Initiator, Hajiya Khuraira Musa, described the initiative as a “solution” to the economic struggles of rural farmers, youth, and women. She emphasised its mission to promote food security, economic empowerment, and dignified livelihoods across Nigeria, especially in the North.

“Our vision is to rebuild communities and elevate underrepresented groups while revolutionising the livestock value chain,” she said.

The executive board includes key figures such as Dr. Zainab Talatu Ahmed (General Secretary), Engr. Salim Salis Musa (Director of Projects), Dr. Dasuki Umar Kabir (Director of Marketing & Export), and Halima Adole Yusuf (Director of Women Engagement). Other notable members include Amb. Ferdinald Feson Fada, Pastor Celina Gar, Dr. Hussaini Adamu, and Batulu Sadiq.

The cooperative has developed a 12-month export development strategy under the leadership of Dr. Dasuki Umar Kabir, targeting markets in Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Egypt. Plans include international product certification, cold-chain logistics, export branding, and business-to-business trade missions.

Advisory board members such as Aliyu Asghar Sa’eed Yar’Adua, Dr. Fatima Sule Mohammed, and Hauwa Muhammad Maccido are expected to provide strategic guidance.

In addition to its economic focus, the cooperative promotes social responsibility through interest-free loans, guaranteed offtake agreements, and training in livestock handling, agri-tech, and cooperative governance.

Membership is by referral only. According to Mohammed Sodangi, Director of Membership and Community Mobilisation, applicants must be recommended by a member in good standing and approved by the General Assembly. Recruitment efforts will involve women- and youth-led town hall engagements, as well as partnerships with traditional and religious leaders.

Hajiya Khuraira Musa concluded, “We are not just running a cooperative—we are rewriting the future of rural Nigeria, where livestock becomes a ladder to peace, prosperity, and progress.”

With its visionary leadership, inclusive governance, and ambitious export targets, the cooperative stands poised to become a national model for sustainable rural development.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

President Bola Tinubu has appointed former INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, as his adviser and coordinator forthe Presidential Livestock Reforms. This was announced by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga. 

Jega was the INEC chairman from 2010 to 2015 and previously co-chaired the Presidential Livestock Committee alongside Tinubu.

In July, Tinubu established a new Ministry of Livestock Development to address the farmers-herders crisis, based on the recommendations of the National Livestock Reforms Committee. 

Jega, 68, is also a member of the International Elections Advisory Council and chairs the Governing Council of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education in Kano State. 

Jega’s appointment aims to support ongoing livestock reforms in Nigeria.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to revitalizing the livestock sector. He recognizes its immense potential to drive economic growth, enhance food security, and improve the livelihoods of farmers and herders. Through strategic policies and targeted initiatives, his administration has made significant strides in modernizing livestock farming, addressing long-standing challenges, and fostering sustainable development.

Key Initiatives and Achievements: Implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP)  

Under Governor Fintiri’s leadership, Adamawa State has emerged as a key player in implementing the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), a federal initiative designed to resolve farmer-herder conflicts and promote sustainable livestock practices. In December 2023, the governor inaugurated the Pilot Ranch Project at the Gongoshi Grazing Reserve. This flagship project aims to modernize livestock farming by providing a controlled breeding, grazing, and disease management environment, setting a benchmark for other states.

Rehabilitation and Development of Grazing Reserves: The administration has prioritized the rehabilitation and development of grazing reserves across the state. These reserves have critical infrastructure, including water sources, veterinary services, and access roads, creating a conducive environment for livestock farming. The Gongoshi Grazing Reserve stands as a model of these efforts, showcasing the benefits of integrated livestock development and sustainable resource management.

 Strengthening Market Access for Livestock Farmers: Governor Fintiri has strongly emphasised improving market access for livestock farmers. The Mubi livestock market, one of the largest in the region, plays a vital role in the state’s economy, supplying approximately 29 million animals annually to Lagos State and generating around N29 billion in revenue. By enhancing market linkages and upgrading infrastructure, the government has further stimulated economic activities in the sector, benefiting both farmers and traders.

Conflict Resolution and Community Engagement: A cornerstone of Governor Fintiri’s livestock policy has been resolving recurrent clashes between farmers and herders. His administration has fostered peaceful coexistence between these groups through dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and policy reforms. Establishing grazing reserves and ranching systems has significantly reduced pressure on farmlands and minimized resource conflicts, contributing to a more harmonious and productive agricultural landscape.

Empowering Youth and Women in the Livestock Sector: The administration’s interventions in the livestock sector have also focused on creating employment opportunities for youth and women. Training programs and access to credit facilities have been introduced to enable these groups to participate in modern livestock farming. These initiatives have reduced unemployment and poverty levels and empowered women and young people to become active contributors to the state’s economic development.

Impact and Future Prospects: Governor Fintiri’s interventions in the livestock sector have already begun to yield tangible results, including increased productivity, higher incomes for farmers, and improved food security. By promoting sustainable practices and fostering partnerships with federal and international organizations, the administration has laid a solid foundation for the long-term growth of the livestock industry in Adamawa State.  

A notable example of such collaboration is the partnership between the Adamawa State government and the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (LPRES). On Thursday, January 16, 2025, the government distributed inputs and machinery to 23,000 livestock farmers, further boosting productivity and resilience in the sector.

Governor Fintiri’s continued focus on innovation, community engagement, and infrastructure development is expected to transform the livestock sector further. These efforts will solidify Adamawa State’s position as a leader in livestock farming in Nigeria and ensure sustainable economic growth and improved livelihoods for its citizens.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Nigeria boasts one of the largest cattle populations in Africa, ranking among the top on the continent. Over 20 million cattle are primarily concentrated in the northern regions, including states such as Adamawa, Borno, Kaduna, and Kano. 

The new Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, faces a complex and tasking job in three key ways.

First, the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development has high expectations from Nigerians. The ministry oversees and develops livestock policies, manages animal health and disease, improves breeds and genetic resources, enhances farming and production systems, supports rural livelihoods, and modernises livestock marketing and trade.

From an informal perspective, expectations will focus on how the minister will transform the lives of nomadic cattle herders from uneducated and nomadic to more settled, everyday lives while also addressing the farmer-herder conflict and the notorious practices of cattle rustling, banditry, and kidnapping for ransom, which are prevalent among some cattle herders.

Mukhtar’s second challenge lies in his background; he has spent most of his career as a technocrat at NNPC. Whether he knows it or not, he will inevitably experience the bittersweet realities of politics. Once appointed as a minister, one automatically assumes a political role. Mukhtar must navigate this transition, deciding whether to embrace full-time politics or attempt to balance his technocratic expertise with his political responsibilities. 

Furthermore, few people in Adamawa know him despite his former role as Managing Director of the Kaduna Refinery, a Petrochemical Company (KPRC). As a result, many may perceive him as elitist and aloof, particularly in an inherently people-centred position.

Mukhtar’s third challenge stems from the performances of his two predecessors from Adamawa, Mohammed Musa Bello and Prof Mamman Tahir, which many Adamawa people view as less than stellar. Their tenures have left a mixed legacy, leading to scepticism about Mukhtar’s ability to bring about something new and different. 

To distinguish himself, Mukhtar must work diligently to establish his identity and a positive track record. This task is particularly crucial, as he shares several traits with both former ministers, which could lead to assumptions about his capabilities and approach. By demonstrating effective leadership and addressing the needs of the people, Mukhtar can overcome this challenge and build a reputation that sets him apart.

With an impressive CV as a technocrat and practical knowledge of livestock management, Mukhtar’s Zaidi Farm stands out as a well-integrated enterprise that applies world-class best practices in animal husbandry. Given this background, we expect him to introduce innovative approaches to livestock management by benchmarking against countries renowned for their success in this field, such as New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands, Denmark, Brazil, Ireland, and the United States. These nations have excelled in implementing efficient and sustainable livestock practices, utilising advanced genetic research and technology to enhance productivity. However, Mukhtar’s journey will be sweet and bitter, mainlydepending on his approach to leadership, public relationships and policy implementation. By embracing collaboration and leveraging global best practices, he has the potential to make significant strides in transforming the livestock sector.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja, zaymohd@yahoo.com

 By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms on Tuesday in Abuja to address obstacles to agricultural productivity and open up new opportunities that benefit farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain.  

The President appointed the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, as Co-Chairman of the Committee. 

President Tinubu stated that the implementation of the reforms will require the collective efforts of members of the committee, drawn from the public and private sectors, state governors, and all Nigerians. 

“From here, I will appeal to everyone to remove every iota of partisan politics from this. I will assume the chairmanship of the committee as President and appoint Professor Attahiru Jega as my deputy or co-chair. 

“This is not about politics; this is about opportunity. This is about our nation. While I may be absent, Jega will preside and continue to promote our objectives,’’ the President said. 

Inaugurating the committee in the Council Chamber at the State House, the President thanked the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for his efforts in assembling experienced and reputable experts to ensure the activation of opportunities in the livestock sector, stating that a Ministry of Livestock Development will be created to further explore the potential in the area. 

“When we have great opportunities in our states, why should Nigerians continue to experience conflicts? 

“With the calibre of people that are here, this presents a unique opportunity also to delineate and establish a centric ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development. It will give us the opportunity so that our veterinary doctors can haveIt will give us the opportunity so that our veterinary doctors can have the necessary access to research and cross-breed. We can stop the wanton killings,’’ President Tinubu stated. 

The President noted that the traditional method of livestock farming will need to be reviewed and repositioned with the support of stakeholders, which include state governments, in order to open up new opportunities for growth and prosperity.  

He said the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), will ensure the removal of all legal obstacles to the implementation of the reforms, while the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, will provide support with automation.  

“Modern technology is available to us. We are ready to work. I said at the beginning, with you, all of you, the solution is here, and we must run with it. Any law that might inhibit the promotion and actualization of our objectives, the Attorney-General is here, please give it a priority; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning is here; create a budget for it to grow, and the Minister of Finance is here as well to work out the money,’’ the President stated. 

The president also said the reforms will be comprehensive and collective, urging the support of all stakeholders.  

“We need to provide the incentive to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming; dairy products and cold-chain logistics collectively offer substantial commercial and economic advantages. We have seen solutions and opportunities. With these adversities that have plagued us over the years, I believe that prosperity is here – in your hands. 

“The dairy industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security by supplying essential proteins and vitamins, through milk and its derivatives, such as cheese, yoghurt, and butter. Efficient cold-chain logistics is crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of these perishable goods from farms to markets, 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,’’ the President said. 

President Tinubu thanked the APC National Chairman for his initiative and leadership of the committee.  

“Let me thank the former Governor of Kano State and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for assembling the best minds and experts to find solutions by convening the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria in February last year,” the president said. 

In his remarks, the former chairman of the committee thanked the president for taking further action, following the submission of a report on livestock reforms on September 28, 2023.