Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has urged the Federal Government to support the state’s ongoing ranching and livestock transformation efforts.
Declaring the opening of the maiden ceremony of the National Council on Livestock Development, on Monday in Yola, the governor welcomed delegates with “gratitude to God and a deep sense of responsibility.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Kaletapwa Farauta said he was pleased the inaugural meeting was hosted in the state.
His words: “I am glad that you chose Yola for this maiden Council meeting. Adamawa State and Yola in particular has increasingly become a venue of choice for conferences, meetings, investments and tourism.”
According to him, the preference for the state is due to its “peaceful ambience and modern infrastructure that we have deliberately invested in.”
Fintiri highlighted Adamawa’s strong livestock heritage, stating that the sector contributes about 43% of the GDP.
He noted that livestock has historically supported household livelihoods, nutrition, trade, culture and job creation, which informed the state’s decision to create a dedicated Ministry for Livestock Development about 20 years ago before other states and the Federal Government followed.
The governor described livestock development as more than an agricultural pursuit.
“Livestock development is not just an agricultural activity: it is an economic strategy, food security and Public Health engagement,” he said.
He stressed the need to prepare for rising national demand for animal protein.
He further outlined major reforms carried out by the state, including rehabilitation of grazing reserves and stock routes, dam construction and desilting, modernization of livestock markets, rebuilding of the Yola ultra-modern abattoir, establishment of veterinary hospitals and laboratories, artificial insemination centres, cold-chain facilities, and strengthened disease surveillance.
He noted that the state has also intensified recruitment of veterinary professionals to improve animal health services.
However, the governor acknowledged persisting industry challenges such as climate change pressures, disease outbreaks, and farmer–herder conflicts.
“We need co-ordinated approach to modernize livestock production, reduce conflict, improve value chain and build resilience,” he said.
Fintiri appealed to the Federal Government to support Adamawa’s funding requests.
He urged the Minister of Agriculture to revisit the state’s “Natural Resource Fund Grant Application” submitted in May 2024, which seeks national support for improved grazing reserve management and conflict mitigation.
He recalled Adamawa’s leadership in the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), noting that the Federal Government launched the plan in the state in September 2025.
“Adamawa State has been the pacesetter and trailblazer… and indeed the leading State in the implementation of the Pilot Ranch Project,” he said.
The governor solicited funding for the state’s Model Demonstration Pilot Ranch under the NLTP’s pillar on economic investment in livestock ranching and value chains. “Having done this well, we wish to solicit for funding intervention of this very laudable Model Demonstration Pilot Ranch,” he stated.
Fintiri encouraged participants to engage robustly in the council deliberations.
In his words: “This Council has an opportunity to shape policies that will guide Nigeria towards a more prosperous future.
“I encourage you to engage deeply, share experiences, forge solutions that are inclusive, forward-looking and sustainable.”
