Members of the House of Representatives have commended Rt. Hon. Inuwa Garba following his proposal for the establishment of a University of Livestock Development in Gombe State, describing the initiative as a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural economy.
The bill, presented on the floor of the House, received the support of fellow lawmakers who acknowledged the critical role of the livestock sector in driving economic growth, food security, and job creation across the country.
In his lead debate, Rt. Hon. Garba highlighted Nigeria’s vast livestock potential, noting that the country possesses the natural resources and human capacity required to build a globally competitive livestock industry. He emphasised that the proposed university would serve as a centre for research, innovation, and capacity development, equipping professionals with the skills needed to modernise the sector.
The lawmaker also referenced ongoing efforts by the Gombe State Government under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, particularly in advancing livestock production systems and strengthening value chains through targeted investments and reforms.
According to him, these state-level initiatives provide a strong foundation for the establishment of a specialised institution that can drive knowledge, improve productivity, and support sustainable practices within the industry.
He further aligned the proposal with the Federal Government’s renewed focus on livestock development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the recent creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a significant policy shift aimed at repositioning the sector for economic diversification.
Lawmakers who supported the bill noted that the proposed university would not only enhance technical expertise but also contribute to addressing longstanding challenges within the livestock value chain, including productivity gaps, outdated practices, and limited access to modern research.
They described the initiative as timely and forward-looking, with the potential to unlock new opportunities in agribusiness, boost rural development, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global livestock market.
The bill is expected to undergo further legislative processes as stakeholders continue to advocate for increased investment in the sector.
