Co-Chair of the Presidential Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, Prof. Attahiru Jega has said that comprehensive reforms in the livestock sector will not only strengthen the nation’s economy but also tackle pressing food security challenges.
Speaking on Wednesday in Bauchi when he led members of the Presidential Livestock Reform Implementation Committee to pay an advocacy visit to the State Governor, Bala Mohammed, Jega lamented the abandonment of the sector by critical actors over the years.
This is as the co-chair expressed optimism that, with the right strategies and support, the livestock sector is poised to become a key driver of economic growth and development in the country.
He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to addressing the challenges facing the livestock sub-sector in Nigeria.
Attahiru Jega said the President has since declared that the issue of livestock reforms should be non-partisan with the aim of galvanising support to re-invigorate the all-important sub-sector.
He further called on states and local government areas to play vital roles in ensuring the success of the exercise.
Responding, Governor Bala Mohammed appreciated the Federal Government for the initiative, saying that the livestock sub-sector in Nigeria has suffered a lot of neglect in the past.
The governor said the initiative would address some of the gaps in the economic growth of the country, particularly as the northern parts of the country have lush vegetation for sustainable agricultural activities with a focus on livestock.
According to him, food security and nutrition remain key to nation-building.
He described the constitution of the Committee with its members as well-deserved, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them.
The governor added that measures must be taken to sensitise the general public to end the age-old farmers-herders clashes to return Nigeria to the path of agricultural growth and development through livestock production for sustainable growth and development.
Mohammed also pledged to set up a committee to design a template for the state government on the best way to reform the livestock sector.
In response to a plea by the Presidential Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, Bala Mohammed pledged to provide the necessary manpower and resources to maximise investment in the federal government initiative situated in Sullubawa Community, Toro Local Government Area.
Livestock reform will boost economy, address food security challenges – Prof Jega