President Bola Tinubu is set to receive the recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms by August 7, 2024.
This announcement was made by the committee’s co-chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, following a briefing with the President at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
Professor Jega, who is also the former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), confirmed that the committee aims to present the report within the next two weeks.
“We think that maximum in the next two weeks, we should be able to present a report to Mr. President, from which we can then begin the process of actual implementation,” Jega stated.
The committee was inaugurated on July 9, 2024, by President Tinubu, who hinted at the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock Development.
However, the initiative aims to address the longstanding conflicts between herders and farmers, alongside other livestock reforms to boost the economy.
President Tinubu emphasised the importance of the committee’s work, highlighting its potential to transform the livestock sector.
“This presents a unique opportunity to delineate and establish a separate ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development. We will develop the economy and give people the opportunity to excel,” he said.
During the recent briefing, Professor Jega informed President Tinubu about the committee’s progress and received further guidance.
“We have received great encouragement from Mr. President, given his recognition that if we get this thing right, we will add tremendous value to so many things in our country,” Jega noted.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, echoed Jega’s sentiments, stating that President Tinubu is eager to review and implement the recommendations.
“Mr. President today has expressed his excitement and he’s very anxious for this to take off. You’re well aware that a new ministry has been created by Mr President, and he is waiting for the report so that the ministry can take off immediately after the report has been submitted by the committee,” Kyari said.
The creation of the Ministry of Livestock Resources was initially recommended by the National Livestock Reforms Committee last September. This committee, led by former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, submitted 21 recommendations aimed at mitigating conflict and enhancing resource management within the sector.
The proposed reforms include the establishment of grazing reserves and other land utilisation methods to alleviate the farmer-herder conflicts, which have claimed over 60,000 lives since 2001. Desert encroachment in the north has forced herders to migrate southwards, leading to resource competition with farmers.
President Tinubu believes that implementing these reforms will not only resolve conflicts but also enhance agricultural productivity and open new economic opportunities.
“This sector will boost agricultural productivity, enhance export opportunities, and stimulate economic growth by fostering a robust value chain that benefits farmers, processors, herders, distributors, and consumers alike,” he stated.