By Dele Ogbodo
Before the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Tinubu on July 9th, 2024, the sector has long and consistently remained a department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and this is understandable as the reason cannot be farfectchhed.
Stakeholders, livestock farmers, and policy makers over the years have viewed this sector as one component that has defied several forms of solutions proffered for growth and expansion to meet the ever skyrocketing cost of dairies needs in the market.
The sector was therefore regarded as a drain pipe to Nigeria’s hard earned foreign exchange/monies because of the enormous amount of money pumped by government and including the private sector into imported livestock items into the country.
This capital in monetary value runs into several billions of naira annually.
The establishment of the Ministry was therefore seen a step in the right direction, a major policy shift and one turnaround moves taken by Tinubu, that would positively impact its livelihood, change the past unhealthy narrative in the industry which will make the country to now depend less on livestock importation.
No doubt, this one renewed hope that raises so much expectations of a changing dynamics in the entire agricultural value chain as this would reinforce and support federal government’s drive for food security, war against malnutrition, job creation and elimination of the lingering clashes between herders and farmers and the backlash of blood bath that the clash foisted on the country.
In his excited inaugural speech, the supervising Minister in the newly created Ministry, Mr. Idi Maiha, acknowledged the day as a day not to be devoted to long speeches, pledging…”We shall over the coming days have the opportunity to assess the state of the sector, dimension the issues and prioritize our strategic focus for the Ministry.”
In that appreciative mood, the pioneer Minister started by thanking God and President Tinubu for the opportunity given to him to steer the Ministry with overarching the mandate to modernize the sector, improve productivity, enhance food security, and address long-standing conflict between farmers and herders.
Addressing the wide spectrum of stakeholders on assumption of duty, pointed out that livestock is not just a sector, according to him, it is a way of life for millions of Nigerians and a vital component of our food security, rural development, and cultural heritage.
He said: “Our mission, therefore, is not just to grow this sector but to transform it into a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive ecosystem for the private sector actors to thrive.
“As a practicing livestock farmer, I am not oblivious of the challenges facing this sector. From limited and high cost of quality feed, to disease outbreaks, farmer-herder’s conflicts, over grazing, ageing stocks, climate change, limited access to credit facilities and modern technologies and inadequate infrastructure just to mention but a few.”
Maiha, admitted that there are significant hurdles, yet I believe they are not insurmountable, he added.
Against the backdrop of his experience as a livestock farmer, he said: “This journey will require smart work, collaboration, and innovative thinking.
“I am confident that with the experience and expertise within this Ministry, we can make significant strides towards unlocking the true potential in the livestock sector in no distant time.
“One of my top priorities is to ensure that our policies and programmes empower stakeholders within the sector, from smallholder farmers to large-scale producers.
“We shall work to create an enabling environment that allows for investment, climate smart livestock farming, modernization and commercialization. Also, we shall prioritize maximum utilization and development of the nation’s grazing reserves as a sustainable approach to addressing farmer-herder’s clashes.
“Furthermore, we shall work towards incentivizing youths and women participation in livestock value chain as a veritable alternative to job creation, improved livelihood and wealth creation.”
How would the Minister will make the much needed difference considering the high of feeds and inputs occasioned by the spiraling inflation, he said: “To do this, we shall forge partnerships across government institutions, private sector, research institutions, and development partners.
“Together, we shall introduce and adopt international best husbandry and breeding practices, improve animal health and food safety services, enhance market access and champion animal welfare.
“Let me reiterate that a healthy livestock population is fundamental not only for productivity but also for public health.
“In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, we shall work towards the prevention, control and eradication of major trans-boundary animal and zoonotic diseases.” He said.
While reaffirming his commitment to open communication, adherence to extant laws, rules and regulations guiding the public service, he explained: “I, therefore, encourage you all to share your ideas, feedback, and innovations as we shape a future for the livestock sector that we can all be proud of.
At this juncture, I wish to thank my Permanent Secretary, Heads of Agencies, Directors and the entire staff for the warm welcome.
To the gentlemen of the Press, thank you for the incredible work you are doing. I look forward to working closely with you to take the Livestock sector to new heights.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Chinyere Akujobi, in her remark, reaffirmed that today’s ceremony marks a significant chapter in the journey to transform and modernize Nigeria’s livestock sector.
According to her, the creation of this Ministry by Federal Government is a strategic move aimed at addressing the numerous obstacles that have hindered the growth of the livestock sector in our country.
She said: “The Ministry has the following mandates: Formulation, implementation, and monitoring of livestock development and animal health policies and programs, development of grazing reserves, ranches, pastoral welfare initiatives, and conflict mitigation strategies and establishment of efficient national animal health management services, including the One Health approach.
Development and maintenance of livestock sector infrastructure to support sustainable growth, Promotion of public-private sector investments in the livestock industry, she added.
Akujobi, said: “Today’s gathering represents a renewed focus on collaboration, innovation, and resilience in addressing the challenges facing the livestock sector.
“Together, we will work to ensure the much deserved new dawn in Livestock development, create jobs, improve livelihoods, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth, including enhancing our global competitiveness.
“Let us seize this opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to the advancement of the livestock sector and the well-being of all Nigerians.
“I warmly welcome the Minister, who brings the leadership and vision required to tackle the perennial problems facing the sector.”
Under the Minister’s leadership, she said the Ministry hopes to address the technical, social, and economic bottlenecks that have hindered meaningful progress and work towards transforming Nigeria’s livestock industry into an economically viable sector capable of attracting substantial investment.