President Tinubu Forms Committee to Implement Renewed Hope Livestock Reform

President Bola Tinubu has taken a significant step towards resolving the long-standing issues between farmers and herders by establishing a committee dedicated to the implementation of the Renewed Hope livestock reform. This initiative aims to address conflicts and foster a harmonious relationship between these two critical agricultural sectors.

The presidential committee on livestock, chaired by President Tinubu himself, includes esteemed co-chairman Prof. Attahiru Jegga. The committee’s primary objective is to create a sustainable framework that enhances livestock production while ensuring the welfare of farmers and herders alike. By focusing on modernizing livestock practices and integrating advanced agricultural techniques, the committee seeks to boost productivity and stability within the sector.

MACBAN Commends President Tinubu for Ministry of Livestock Development

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has expressed profound appreciation for President Tinubu’s establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development. In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, the President of MACBAN, highlighted the transformative potential of this new ministry.

Othman-Ngelzarma emphasized that the establishment of the ministry is a monumental step towards unlocking the trillion-naira potential of Nigeria’s livestock industry. He outlined the ministry’s plans to create high-quality and efficient employment opportunities throughout the livestock value chain, which is expected to significantly enhance the Nigerian economy. This development aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to modernize and boost the productivity of the livestock sector.

Enhancing Livestock Production and Ensuring Food Security

The creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development is a fulfillment of President Tinubu’s promise to elevate Nigeria’s agricultural productivity and ensure food security. MACBAN’s president highlighted the association’s long-standing advocacy for a dedicated ministry to modernize livestock production systems in line with global best practices.

“With this development, MACBAN believes the hope of the Nigerian pastoralists is now achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Othman-Ngelzarma stated. He further added that the association, along with the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the entire members of the Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, congratulates President Tinubu and commends his leadership. This initiative not only promises to revolutionize the livestock industry but also aims to foster a more harmonious and productive agricultural environment in Nigeria.

President Tinubu Announces New Ministry of Livestock Development

President Bola Tinubu’s recent announcement of the establishment of a new Ministry of Livestock Development has stirred diverse reactions across Nigeria. This new ministry is intended to address the myriad challenges and opportunities within the livestock sector, an area that has long been contentious due to security concerns and economic potential. Emmanuel Ocheme, a citizen who shared his views on social media, expressed skepticism about the necessity of this new ministry. He stated, “Personally, I don’t think it is necessary. I want to believe there’s a department of livestock in the Ministry of Agriculture. All that needs to be done is to empower the director there and channel the responsibility of this new ministry to it. It is another waste.”

This sentiment reflects a broader concern among Nigerians about the efficient use of government resources. Many believe that creating a new ministry might lead to redundant administrative costs and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Critics argue that instead of establishing a separate ministry, the government should focus on strengthening existing structures within the Ministry of Agriculture to address the needs of the livestock sector. This perspective underscores the ongoing debate about the best approach to governance and resource management in Nigeria.

Advocates See Potential Benefits

Despite the criticism, there are also voices advocating for the new Ministry of Livestock Development, highlighting its potential benefits for the country. Bola Emmanuel, another citizen, defended the establishment of the ministry, emphasizing its role in addressing critical issues related to livestock management. “The ministry is inevitably essential,” he stated. “It’s going to oversee areas of open and anti-grazing policies in Nigeria and regulatory policies of livestock and its supply and distribution system.” This view points to the potential for more focused and effective regulation and oversight of the livestock sector, which could lead to improvements in productivity and security.

Additionally, commentators like Lo Cokar have pointed out the strategic importance of having a dedicated ministry to manage livestock development. Cokar argued, “I think the focus should be on the successes recorded, drilling in on the critical sectors even if it means onboarding new ministries. It’s the dividend of narrowing down and understanding the consumption profile of the nation and being deliberate about securing it.” Proponents believe that a specialized ministry could bring much-needed attention and resources to the livestock sector, driving innovation, improving supply chains, and enhancing food security in Nigeria.

The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development marks a significant step in President Tinubu’s administration, reflecting his commitment to addressing the complex challenges facing the agriculture sector. While the decision has sparked debate, it also opens up opportunities for meaningful reform and development in Nigeria’s livestock industry.