Abuja, Sept. 15, 2023 – The Federal Government has set up a presidential committee to the reform of the livestock industry and provide long-term solutions farmer-herder clashes in the country.
President Tinubu announced the establishment of the committee on Thursday following the submission of a report by the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria.
The conference was convened by Abdullahi Ganduje, a former Governor of Kano State and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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Tinubu said the committee would collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and propose recommendations aimed at fostering a peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers while ensuring the security and economic well-being of all Nigerians.
“The Federal Government is fully prepared to cover the cost of acquiring the land. These opportunities will provide gainful employment for our veterinary doctors while opening doors for the private sector as the provision of new educational opportunities for herders’ and their children emerge. Medical facilities will be established. This is a life-changing opportunity that we have.
“Imagine us producing enough milk for our school children. Imagine us becoming net exporters of cheese and yoghurt. Imagine us producing the skin massively with a major Nigerian leather industry. Imagine us providing cold storage facilities and employment across the nation.
These things are possible in front of us,” Tinubu said.
He commended Ganduje for assembling the best minds and experts to find solutions to the perennial issues between pastoralists and farmers.
“Out of every tragedy, if you are careful, you will see an opportunity. We have faced this conflict for some time. We know it is a homegrown problem. It is very hard for people to stay away from their traditional, old ways.
“I tried in 2018 to bring about a solution to this problem, but it proved elusive. But I’ve been told not to ever give up, and today I believe the solution is here,” the President stated, referring to the committee report, which contains several recommendations.
“It is not the fault of herders and farmers that this crisis has persisted. It is the fault of the leadership who failed to find immediate solutions to solve their problems. Leadership is about thinking and doing,” he said. (GBN)
