Tinubu creates ministry of livestocks development, appoints new heads
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday announced the the creation of a new ministry, called the Ministry of Livestock Development, to tackle the challenges faced by Nigerian farmers in animal husbandry.
Tinubu said this will present a unique opportunity to the country’s veterinary professionals, giving them necessary access to research and innovative skills to learn to cross-breed.
While addressing members of the livestock reforms committee at the meeting in Abuja, the president tasked them with ensuring agricultural productivity across the country.
“With the calibre of people that are here, this presents a unique opportunity also to delineate and establish a centric ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development,” he said.
“It will give us the opportunity so that our veterinary doctors can have the necessary access to research and cross-breed. We can stop the wanton killings.”
He said the the insane killings of citizens and all other illicit activities should stop, and there is no reason for Nigerians to continue living in conflicts.
The president also instructed the appointed chairman of the committee and its members to dislodge party politics from among them when discharging national duties.
He said: “From here, I will appeal to everyone to remove every iota of partisan politics from this. I will assume the chairmanship of the committee as President and appoint Professor Attahiru Jega as my deputy or co-chair.
“This is not about politics; this is about opportunity. This is about our nation. While I may be absent, Jega will preside and continue to promote our objectives.”
“When we have great opportunities in our states, why should Nigerians continue to experience conflicts?
“Modern technology is available to us. We are ready to work. I said at the beginning, with you, all of you, the solution is here, and we must run with it.
“Any law that might inhibit the promotion and actualisation of our objectives, the Attorney-General is here, please give it a priority; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning is here; create a budget for it to grow, and the Minister of Finance is here as well to work out the money.”
“We need to provide the incentive to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming; dairy products and cold-chain logistics, which collectively offer substantial commercial and economic advantages.
“We have seen solutions and opportunities. With these adversities that have plagued us over the years, I believe that prosperity is here – in your hands.
How will the creation of Ministry of Livestock Development to contribute to the agricultural sector?
The ministry and the appointment of the reforms committee, according to President Tinubu, shall open a new window of opportunities for animal farmers, who will now be able to receive government’s granted incentives to raise healthy livestocks.
They will not rear and sell off their animals at maturity, but extract other food mineral-rich products from their livestocks.
The president added that this will “stimulate economic growth” that not only will benefit the the leaders but also the “processors, herders, distributors, and consumers alike”.
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“The dairy industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security by supplying essential proteins and vitamins, through milk and its derivatives, such as cheese, yoghurt, and butter.
“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,’’ he said.
