The committee stressed the importance of addressing the security and economic implications of the farmer-herder conflicts, stating that a Ministry of Livestock would help streamline policies, regulations, and development efforts specifically tailored to the livestock sector.
Ganduje emphasized that a well-structured and focused ministry could provide the necessary impetus for modernizing livestock farming practices, improving livestock health, and boosting the production of quality meat, dairy, and other livestock products within the country.
He further noted that the proposed ministry should encompass livestock research, development, and extension services, aimed at enhancing the productivity and profitability of the livestock industry while ensuring a harmonious relationship between herders and farmers.
The National Committee on Livestock Reforms urged presidential aspirant Bola Tinubu to consider this recommendation as a strategic move towards addressing the longstanding challenges faced by the livestock sector in Nigeria.
“The conflicts are resulting in killings of citizens and loss of livelihoods, further affecting peaceful coexistence in the country. With increasing populations, ecological changes such as soil erosion and degradation of grazing areas, and changing climates, adopting innovative crops and livestock production practises is no longer a luxury but an essential investment that this people-centred administration needs to vigorously pursue,” the leader of the delegation told State House correspondents shortly after the report was presented to the President.
