The Presidential Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, co-chaired by Prof. Attahiru Jega, has emphasised the need for stakeholders to come together to reform the livestock sector.
Attahiru Jega was speaking on Wednesday in Bauchi when he led members of the Presidential Livestock Reform Implementation Committee to pay an advocacy visit to the State Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, in his office.
He said that the Committee acknowledged the significant impact of the livestock sector on the national economy but lamented the abandonment of the sector by critical actors over the years.
The co-chair expressed optimism that, with the right strategies and support, the livestock sector is poised to become a key driver of economic growth and development in the country.
He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to addressing the challenges facing the livestock sub-sector in Nigeria.
Attahiru Jega also said that the President has since declared that the issue of livestock reforms should be a non-partisan issue aimed at galvanising support to re-invigorate the all-important sub-sector.
Attahiru Jega further said that the Committee was inaugurated in July 2024, saddled with the responsibility of improving the livestock sub-sector in the country to assist in addressing food insecurity and nutrition, thereby contributing effectively to the gross domestic product of the country and development.
He further called on states and local government areas to play vital roles in ensuring the success of the exercise.
In his response, Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, appreciated the Federal Government for the initiative, saying that the livestock sub-sector in Nigeria has suffered a lot of neglect in the past.
The governor also said that the initiative would address some of the gaps in the economic growth of the country, particularly as the northern parts of the country have lush vegetation for sustainable agricultural activities with a focus on livestock.
Bala Mohammed said food security and nutrition remain key to nation-building and described the constitution of the Committee with its members as well-deserved, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them.
The governor added that measures must be taken to sensitise the general public to end the age-old farmers-herders clashes in order to return Nigeria to the path of agricultural growth and development through livestock production for sustainable growth and development.
In a bold move to harness the vast potential of the livestock sector, the governor pledged to reform and revitalise the industry, with a focus on improving the state’s economy.
He emphasised the importance of harnessing the abandoned resources in the sector to improve food security and create job opportunities.
The governor’s commitment to reforming the livestock sector is a significant step towards unlocking the sector’s potential. With the state’s peaceful architecture and large forest, Bauchi is poised to become a hub for livestock production and development.
The governor pledged to set up a committee to design a template for the state government on the best way to reform the livestock sector, which is a clear indication of his administration’s commitment to driving growth and development in the sector.
In response to a plea by the Presidential Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, Bala Mohammed pledged to provide the necessary manpower and resources to maximise investment in the federal government initiative situated in Sullubawa Community, Toro Local Government Area.
This move is expected to boost economic growth and development in the state.
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