Herders Call for Full Implementation of Livestock Ministry

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fully operationalise the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by providing adequate funding, infrastructure and administrative independence. The association said the ministry should be empowered to carry out its responsibilities effectively.

KACRAN, in a statement signed by its National President, Khalil Mohd Bello, commended President Tinubu for setting up the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee and creating the Ministry of Livestock Development. It also praised the appointment of Livestock Development Minister, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, saying his engagement with stakeholders encouraged nearly 20 states to establish livestock ministries.

The association said the creation of the ministry raised hopes of increasing local livestock production and reducing Nigeria's dependence on imported meat, milk and other livestock products. However, it expressed concern that more than a year after its establishment, the ministry is yet to operate as a fully independent government institution.

KACRAN said a fully functional ministry would improve livestock production, strengthen food security, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, create jobs and attract investment into the livestock value chain. It also appealed to the Federal Government to provide permanent office accommodation, adequate funding and the resources needed to implement projects that will support the growth of the livestock sector.

The association further commended the North East Development Commission and the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project for providing water, security and other social services to pastoralist communities, while urging both organisations to sustain their support.