The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to modernise the livestock sector during a high-level, three-day working visit to Plateau State.
The visit, which began on April 30, 2025, focused on strengthening federal-state collaboration to drive the newly approved National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy.
Leading a delegation of top officials and technical experts, Minister Maiha paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, where he delivered condolences over recent violent attacks and commended the state’s progressive steps toward livestock development.
His words: “Your Excellency, it is a pleasure to be here. I came first to pay respect to the good government and people of Plateau State and to condole with you over the unfortunate incidents that occurred recently.
“I also came to express appreciation for your pioneering efforts in establishing a Ministry for Livestock Development, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries at the subnational level.”
The Minister outlined the Federal Government’s agenda, including the genetic upgrading of livestock, expansion of feed and fodder systems, enhancement of veterinary health infrastructure, and the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s 417 grazing reserves—beginning with the Wase Grazing Reserve in Plateau as a pilot model.
He noted that Plateau holds a pivotal place in the country’s livestock history, being home to the century-old National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI).
“We are launching a Model Livestock Village in partnership with the Plateau State Government. This will include pasture fields, irrigation dams, a veterinary clinic, milk collection centers, housing for livestock keepers, and educational and healthcare facilities.
“This model will become a blueprint for collaboration between the Federal Ministry and other subnational governments. It is our vision to transform livestock production into a driver of economic growth, food security, and job creation for millions,” Maiha announced.
In response, Governor Mutfwang praised the Minister’s dedication to the sector, saying: “You are not a Minister looking for food to eat, but one creating food for Nigeria. The roadmap you’ve unveiled assures us of economic growth, peace, and opportunity. Plateau is ready to partner fully in this transformation journey.”
The Governor also announced plans to inaugurate a modern Jos Abattoir with the capacity to slaughter 500 cows daily, signaling Plateau’s readiness to contribute significantly to the national meat supply chain.
Following his meeting with the Governor, Minister Maiha paid a courtesy visit to the Gbong Gwom Jos, Dr. Jacob Gyang Buba, who expressed confidence in the new ministry’s mission and thanked President Tinubu for its establishment.
He also invited the Minister to the upcoming Animal Cultural Festival.
The Minister’s engagements continued with an interactive session involving key stakeholders across the livestock value chain, including representatives of the National Sheep and Goat Development Association (NASHGODAN), poultry and pig farmers, butchers, pastoral groups, and civil society organizations.
Maiha stressed that the livestock sector holds the key to addressing employment, national unity, and food security: “The Ministry remains committed to working with all stakeholders to realise this vision.”
Among the dignitaries present were Dr. Kingsley Uzoma from the Office of the Vice President, senior directors from the Ministry of Livestock Development, heads of affiliated agencies, and Baba Othman Ngelzarma, President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), who called for peaceful coexistence and cooperation among Plateau communities.
