Tinubu’s Federal Ministry of Livestock Development Breakthrough

President Tinubu establishment of ministry of livestock was welcomed because Nigeria has long struggled with persistent clashes between farmers and herders, which have led to significant loss of life, destruction of livelihoods, and a growing food insecurity crisis. These conflicts are rooted in a complex web of issues, including governance, political tensions, and social dynamics, rather than just resource scarcity and climate change. Weak governance structures, unresolved land disputes, strained relationships between different ethnic groups, and deep-seated ethnic biases have all exacerbated the tension between farmers and herders.

The violence and instability resulting from these clashes have not only affected rural communities but have also disrupted the nation’s agricultural productivity and economic stability. Over the years, numerous efforts to address the conflicts have fallen short, primarily due to a lack of comprehensive and sustainable solutions. This backdrop sets the stage for President Bola Tinubu’s recent groundbreaking announcement regarding the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

President Tinubu’s Bold Initiative

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu announced the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, a move that has been widely regarded as long overdue and essential for fostering lasting peace and development in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. This bold step aims to address the deep-rooted issues fueling the farmer-herder conflicts and to promote sustainable livestock management practices across the country.

The President Tinubu made this significant announcement during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee. The committee is tasked with driving the newly envisioned livestock reforms, which are expected to overhaul the industry and mitigate the longstanding disputes. By establishing a dedicated ministry, President Tinubu aims to centralize efforts, streamline policy implementation, and ensure that the recommendations of various stakeholders are effectively put into action.

The Committee’s Recommendations

The Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms, which was established on September 15, 2023, by President Tinubu played a pivotal role in shaping the vision for the new ministry. The committee submitted 21 comprehensive recommendations to President Tinubu, focusing on both immediate and long-term strategies to reform the livestock industry and resolve conflicts between herders and farmers. Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), highlighted that the President Tinubu had assured the committee of his commitment to considering and implementing their recommendations.

Ganduje emphasized the urgent need for reform and development within the livestock industry. “The report grew out of the urgent need to reform and develop the livestock industry, as well as provide solutions to the age-old conflicts between herders and farmers in Nigeria,” he said. The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock and subsequent agencies is expected to provide the necessary institutional framework to implement the various aspects of the committee’s recommendations, thereby fostering a more harmonious and productive relationship between farmers and herders.

By creating the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, President Tinubu not only addresses a critical issue but also sets a precedent for proactive governance and conflict resolution in Nigeria. The success of this initiative will depend on the effective implementation of the committee’s recommendations and the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved.

A Ministry for Livestock Development

The creation of the Ministry of. Livestock. Development is a significant achievement for President Bola Tinubu in addressing the longstanding conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria. This new ministry aims to bridge the institutional and regulatory gaps, providing a robust legal and institutional framework to tackle the underlying issues fueling these conflicts. By establishing a dedicated ministry, the government signals its commitment to finding lasting solutions to the problems that have plagued the agricultural sector for decades.

The move is seen as a positive step towards resolving the protracted conflicts between farmers and herders. With the ministry in place, there is hope that systematic and sustainable approaches can be developed to manage and mitigate these conflicts. The ministry’s role will be pivotal in ensuring that policies are not only created but also effectively implemented, leading to a more harmonious coexistence between the farming and herding communities.

Expert Insights

Analysts believe the new Ministry of Livestock Development will adequately address the age-old conflicts between herders and farmers. Abdullahi Ganduje, a prominent political figure, stated, “The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock and subsequent agencies will provide appropriate institutions for implementing the recommendations.” This sentiment is echoed by many experts who view the ministry as a necessary step towards resolving deep-seated issues within the agricultural sector.

Experts also believe that the ministry will address some of the country’s fault lines, particularly the farmer-herder relationship. By creating a dedicated body to oversee livestock development, the government can focus on modernizing the sector, introducing best practices, and ensuring that the needs of both farmers and herders are met. This institutional approach is expected to foster a more cooperative environment, reducing tensions and promoting economic growth in rural areas.

A Rowdy Session in the Senate

Recently, a bill for an act to establish a national animal husbandry and ranches commission sparked heated debates in the Senate. Senator Titus Zam (Benue North-West), who sponsored the bill, argued that it would nip the perennial conflicts between farmers and herders in the bud once and for all. However, the proposal faced stiff opposition from Senator Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) and Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central), turning the plenary into a high-decibel slanging match in the red chamber.

The debate highlighted the complexities and differing viewpoints surrounding the issue of livestock development in Nigeria. While some lawmakers believe that a new commission is essential for managing animal husbandry and reducing conflicts, others are skeptical about the necessity of such a body. This division underscores the challenges that lie ahead in reaching a consensus on how best to address the farmer-herder clashes and improve the livestock sector.

Not Everyone is Convinced

Laolu Akande, a former aide to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, expressed reservations about the need for a separate ministry. “I am not sure that we need a ministry [of livestock],” Laolu said on Monday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today. “But let’s wait for more details.” He believes that the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), introduced by the previous administration, could effectively address the conflicts if implemented.

“The National Livestock Transformation Plan, if it is effectively implemented, is going to solve the problem of the farmer-herder clashes and is going to modernize the livestock industry in our country,” Laolu stated. His comments reflect a broader skepticism among some stakeholders who question whether a new ministry is the most efficient solution. Despite these reservations, many see the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a significant step towards resolving the persistent conflicts and advancing the livestock industry in Nigeria.