Towards a Peaceful Coexistence: President Tinubu Establishes Ministry of Livestock Development

In a bold move to address the recurring clashes between herders and crop farmers, President Bola Tinubu has announced the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock Development. This decision comes in the wake of the recommendations made by a presidential panel on the reform of the livestock industry, which was set up in September 2023.

During the inauguration of the "Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee" at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of this new ministry in promoting economic development, empowering people, and providing opportunities for growth.

"This presents a unique opportunity to delineate and establish a separate ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development. We will develop the economy, give people the opportunity to excel," the president stated.

Tinubu explained that the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development was a direct response to the recommendations made by the presidential panel. The panel's report had identified the need for long-term solutions to the persistent conflicts between crop farmers and herders.

"The far-reaching recommendation in their report informed our decision to constitute and inaugurate this Presidential Committee on the Implementation of Livestock Reforms and seize the great opportunity to better the lives of our people, rather than the conflict promotion agenda," the president said.

The president emphasized that his administration would adopt the committee's recommendation of ranching as a means to reform the traditional livestock system. He highlighted the potential of this approach to add significant and sustainable value to Nigeria's socio-economic growth and development.

To ensure the implementation of these reforms, President Tinubu has appointed former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, as the deputy and co-chair of the newly inaugurated committee. The president himself will assume the position of the committee's chairman, in an effort to remove any political connotations and focus solely on the national interest.

"This is not about politics, this is about opportunity, this is about our nation," the president stated, appealing to the national chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, to step down from the panel to maintain the committee's non-partisan nature.

President Tinubu also emphasized the potential economic benefits of the livestock industry, citing the dairy industry's contribution to nutrition and food security, as well as the importance of efficient cold-chain logistics in maintaining the quality and safety of perishable goods.

"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," the president said.

With the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development and the establishment of the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, President Tinubu has demonstrated his commitment to finding a lasting solution to the herder-farmer conflicts and unlocking the economic potential of the livestock industry in Nigeria.