The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar-Maiha, has strongly urged all state governments to establish a dedicated ministry for livestock development.
The Minister made this call during the annual Continuing Education program for veterinary professionals, themed “Veterinarians as Policy Advocates: Giving Voice to Animal Health,” held in Abuja.
He commended states that have already established such ministries, recognizing this as a crucial step in supporting the federal government’s initiative.
He emphasized the urgent need for all states to follow suit to ensure effective policy coordination and program implementation.
The minister explained that state-level livestock ministries would significantly enhance intergovernmental collaboration, facilitating the effective execution of necessary policies, programs, and interventions. This synergy, he said, would accelerate the growth of the livestock sector both nationally and within individual states.
“Our goal is to standardize livestock production and related products to meet global market standards,” Mukhtar-Maiha noted.
He added that the inaugural National Council on Livestock Development, which will include representatives from all state livestock ministries, would focus on pressing issues such as livestock migration, animal health, food security, water availability, and breed improvement.
The minister celebrated recent developments in Borno and Yobe states, which have recently established livestock ministries. He described this move as an encouraging signal of commitment to strengthening the sector.