Former Senate President, Ahmed Lawal has called on the federal government to provide adequate funding for the livestock sector so as to boost the country’s economy and improve its revenue.
He made this call in his speech at the beginning of the sixth livestock vaccination campaign in Yusufari local government area of Yobe State, Senator Lawan emphasized the importance of the initiative.
Lawal also raised concerns, stating that the government investment in the livestock sector is currently not commensurate with its value, which is estimated at over N30 trillion.
According to him, “This is the sixth time we are doing this vaccination for our livestock over the last six years.
“Livestocks in this zone – Yobe North, and, indeed, across other parts of Nigeria, and our neighbouring country of Niger, enjoy this free annual livestock vaccination that we undertake every year.
“This is because we owe our nomads and herdsmen this much. I believe that the contribution of the livestock sector in Nigeria is huge economically, and the government can only be fair to the livestock sector if it invests appropriately and justifiably.
“Today, the livestock sector is worth over N30 trillion in Nigeria. How can you not invest in this sector? I will take this opportunity to emphasise my earlier calls for more and more investments by the Federal Government of Nigeria in the livestock sector.
The former Senate President expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s government, stating his full support for the administration.
“The good news is that our dear President, His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, through our ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda, has good tidings for the agricultural sector and also the livestock sector.
“We support Mr. President, fully, totally, and completely, to ensure that the livestock sector in Nigeria is supported by the federal government.”