Kebbi State Governor and Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC) Committee on Livestock Development, Dr Nasir Idris Kaura Gwandu, presided over the inaugural meeting of the Committee, which has a mandate to reposition Nigeria’s livestock sector as a sustainable, modern, and competitive industry aligned with national economic priorities.
The meeting took place on Tuesday, 20th January 2026, at the Kebbi State liaison office in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Governor Idris stated that the committee’s terms of reference include reviewing proposals from the Ministry of Livestock Development on converting grazing reserves into communal ranches. He added that the committee would also examine the report and recommendations of the Presidential Livestock Reform Implementation Committee (PLRIC) towards effective livestock development in Nigeria.
Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting, the chairman explained that the committee would identify interested states for the implementation of communal ranches, review existing livestock policies, and recommend necessary reforms to strengthen the sector.
Governor Idris further disclosed that the committee would identify Public-Private Partnership (PPP) opportunities across the livestock exports and increase the sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Highlighting the scope of the committee’s work, Governor Idris said a comprehensive situational analysis of Nigeria’s livestock sector would be conducted with a view to operationalising the PLRIC recommendations and transforming grazing reserves into communal ranches.
According to him, the committee will engage relevant stakeholders drawn from the federal and state governments, the private sector, farmers’ associations and development partners to ensure effective implementation of the livestock reform agenda.
He added that a monitoring and evaluation framework would be developed in line with the implementation plan, alongside periodic and final reports to be submitted to the National Economic Council.
Governor Idris also revealed that the committee would develop a clear implementation plan outlining activities, timelines, and responsibilities for identified stakeholders, as well as recommend short-, medium-, and long-term strategies for livestock development reforms in the country.
He further announced the inauguration of a sub-committee to be chaired by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
Members of the National Economic Council Committee on Livestock Development include the Kebbi State Governor, who is also the Chairman of the committee and represents the North-West geopolitical zone; the Bauchi State Governor, representing the North-East; the Niger State Governor, representing the North-Central; the Governor of Ondo, representing the South-West; the Governor of Imo State, representing the South-East; and the Governor of Cross River State, representing the South-South.
Others are the Minister of Livestock Development, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the Minister of Agriculture, and the Special Adviser on Livestock Development.
In attendance at the meeting are the Kebbi State Commissioner of Agriculture, as well as the Budget, among others.
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