FG Moves to Speed Up Ranching Policy Implementation

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, says the Federal Government has concluded arrangements to accelerate implementation of the National Ranching Policy to improve livestock production, reduce insecurity and support economic growth.

He spoke at a stakeholders’ engagement and poultry summit organised by poultry farmers in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Maiha said Nigeria has strong livestock potential but the sector has not been fully utilised due to poor coordination until 2024. He said government policies aim to increase livestock contribution to Gross Domestic Product from 32 billion dollars to 74 billion dollars through the establishment of National Livestock Centres.

According to him, the centres are expected to improve production across value chains, support food security and help address farmers–herders conflicts.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Afeez Alabi, assured continued government support for farmers through training, improved inputs, veterinary services, biosecurity and livestock value chain development.

Chairman of the Poultry Farmers Association in Kwara State, Sanusi Kolapo, said the summit was organised to expose farmers to modern equipment and better production methods. He called for more government support to help farmers provide affordable protein for Nigerians.

Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, also stressed youth empowerment through agriculture, saying the livestock sector has potential to create jobs and support economic growth.