The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector following an engagement with members of the Miyetti Allah Fulako Yeso Development Association, MAFYDA, who pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s livestock transformation agenda and the proposed national ranching policy.
He also stated that the federal government remains focused on rehabilitating grazing reserves, promoting pasture cultivation, strengthening animal health management systems, and supporting pastoralists with modern livestock production techniques that can enhance productivity and reduce conflicts associated with open grazing.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu at the end of the interactive engagement held in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, noted that the delegation’s visit demonstrated growing confidence in the Federal Government’s livestock transformation agenda and the national ranching policy being championed by the administration.
He said, “They have shown their willingness and commitment to align with Mr President’s vision in changing and transforming the livestock sector from its present subsistence animal husbandry system to a modern ranching system.”
The minister disclosed that the ministry would commence a pilot artificial insemination programme targeting between 1,000 and 3,000 animals nationwide as part of efforts to improve local breeds and establish a sustainable framework for livestock genetic improvement.
“We are actually going to start this year with the insemination of about 1,000 to 3,000 animals across the country. This is just the first to test-run the adaptability and proof of concept of this animal upgrade.
“We are going to procure seeds this year and distribute them to the pastoralists to start planting pasture so that by next year’s dry season, very few animals will now be seen roaming the countryside in search of fodder,” he stated.
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, stated that the interactive session would provide pastoralists with the opportunity to directly engage with the government on issues affecting their livelihoods.
She commended the association for its commitment to peacebuilding, which she described as “key priorities of the ministry”.
Also speaking, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Samuel Anzaku, disclosed that the ministry had resumed annual livestock vaccination exercises against diseases such as CBPP, PPR, anthrax, and foot-and-mouth disease, assuring pastoralists of the government’s commitment to improving animal healthcare and taking veterinary services directly to livestock owners across the country.
Earlier in his remarks, the president of the association, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, commended President Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a historic milestone for pastoral communities across Nigeria.
He informed the minister that the association was seeking strategic collaboration with the ministry on the implementation of national pastoral transformation programmes focused on livestock modernisation, ranch development, sustainable grazing systems, livestock value chain expansion, and youth employment.
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