From Godwin Tsa Abuja
The Federal Government has revealed plans to give priority to the modernisation of 417 grazing reserves with essential infrastructure such as water, schools, clinics, markets, and abattoirs.
The Minister of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the move is to drive President Bola Tinubu’s vision to create jobs, drive economic growth, and ensure food security.
Maiha made the disclosure in Abuja when he hosted the visiting United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills and his delegation.
Mills said the visit of the minister was to discuss ways of enhancing collaboration for the development of Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Maiha expressed the Federal Government’s dedication to transforming the sector into a globally competitive and sustainable industry.
He reaffirmed Tinubu’s vision of modernising livestock management to create jobs, drive economic growth, and ensure food security.
He disclosed plans to improve breed performance, enhance veterinary services, and adopt advanced technology, like cattle tagging and traceability systems to tackle challenges such as cattle rustling.
“Your Excellency, it is our desire to make full utilisation of the 417 grazing reserves that we have in this country.
“By this, we want to see to the re-grazing of those areas, getting all the necessary inputs in terms of rangeland, pasture, water, having infrastructure for the comfort of the animals and the herders’ families.”
Maiha equally called for increased collaboration in research and development to boost vaccine production, animal healthcare, and productivity across the livestock value chain.
Earlier, Richard Mills, highlighted the United States’ commitment to building commercial trade relationships between Nigerian livestock producers and U.S. food exporters.
He announced plans to support 25 Nigerian exporters and livestock professionals in attending the world’s largest industrial food processing expo in Atlanta next month.
The three-day event will connect Nigerian stakeholders with global livestock experts, offering opportunities to establish business partnerships and advance best practices in livestock management.
The US Ambassador emphasised the vital role of livestock in addressing food insecurity and fostering trade, while alleviating tensions between farmers and herders.
“Collaboration in areas such as breed improvement, food processing, and technology adoption can unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s livestock sector,” he stated.
Maiha welcomed the United States’ offer to facilitate capacity-building exchange programmes for Nigerian professionals, enabling them to adopt global best practices tailored to local needs.