By Publisher
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday created the ministry of livestock development, saying he would soon appoint a minister in-charge.
He made the announcement during the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms.
The committee, which was established after the president received a report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria, is to address herders and farmers’ clashes and bolster livestock and dairy industries.
The committee gave the president 21 recommendations, including creating a ministry of livestock resources.
According to Tinubu, the committee would work with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to proffer solutions to the protracted crisis between farmers and herders, as well as ensuring the security and economic well-being of every Nigerian.
The president said the Federal Government would bear the cost of acquiring the land to ensure the co-existence between herders and farmers.
According to him: “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.”
