President Tinubu Creates Ministry of Livestock Development to Address Farmers-Herders Crisis

President Bola Tinubu has announced the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock Development to address the long-standing farmers-herders crisis in Nigeria. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.

The new ministry is expected to provide sector-focused solutions to address the age-old conflict between farmers and nomadic cattle herders nationwide. The committee, inaugurated by the President, is mandated to provide solutions to the crisis.

The creation of the ministry is a recommendation made by the National Livestock Reforms Committee, which was established to provide long-term solutions to the recurring clashes between herders and farmers in the country. The committee's report, submitted to the President in September 2023, recommended the establishment of a "Ministry of Livestock Resources" to reduce the decades-long conflict between farmers and nomadic cattle herders nationwide.

The report also recommended the establishment of grazing reserves, expansion of existing Departments of Livestock Production, and creation of agencies to implement the recommendations. The committee also suggested a funding source, including inflows from international organizations, the private sector, and the government.

The President did not mention the name of the Minister for the new ministry, as it is expected that he will forward the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation. The inauguration of the committee was attended by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other cabinet members.

The creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development is a significant step towards addressing the farmers-herders crisis in Nigeria, and it is expected to provide a lasting solution to the problem.