The Federal Government has renewed its focus on the livestock industry as the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, announced a major shift toward stronger support for animal health and pastoral communities.
He spoke in Yola during the inauguration of a new Model Veterinary Hospital built through the World Bank funded Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, known as L PRES.
At the event, the Minister stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made the development of the livestock sector a national priority.
He noted that the recent establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development signalled a clear intention to reposition the industry after many years of limited investment.
The new Adamawa facility, which contains consulting rooms, a diagnostic centre, and a fully equipped surgical theatre, is expected to improve access to animal health services for livestock keepers within the state and neighbouring regions. The Ministry also introduced a veterinary ambulatory vehicle to reach pastoral settlements and livestock clusters more efficiently.
Officials revealed that Adamawa is one of several states benefiting from the first phase of L PRES infrastructure.
Seven model veterinary hospitals are already completed and equipped in Adamawa, Sokoto, Enugu, Niger, Ondo, Edo and Borno. Fourteen additional facilities are nearing completion, bringing the total number of new centres to 21 across the participating states.
The Minister encouraged veterinary staff to protect the integrity of the new hospital and to ensure it remains useful for generations.
He added that the facility will serve as a training ground for professionals and a dependable point of care for livestock farmers.
Representatives of pastoral communities expressed optimism about the project.
The President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, remarked that the initiative has restored confidence among herders who have long called for stronger government support.
Traditional leaders also lent their voices. The Lamido of Adamawa, His Royal Highness Dr Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, applauded both the Federal Government and L PRES for choosing the state as one of the beneficiaries.
He appealed for harmony between herders and farmers, which he described as essential for progress in the livestock value chain.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by his Chief of Staff Dr Edgar Amos, urged residents to take full advantage of the hospital so that the state can maximise the benefits attached to the project.
The National Project Coordinator of L PRES, Dr Sanusi Abubakar, explained that the new hospital is expected to strengthen disease surveillance and control efforts and reduce livestock losses.
He added that the infrastructure will boost food security and expand opportunities for veterinary employment and training.
