The Committee of the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Related Conflicts in Nigeria has informed President Bola Tinubu that numerous attempts to settle cattle owners to permanently live with farmers have led to unhealthy competition and acrimony among farmers and herders resulting in violent conflicts throughout the country.
The committee consequently suggested to the president the creation of a Federal Authority, whose duty would be to oversee the development of the livestock industry and sustainable changes.
They made this statement while paying President Tinubu a courtesy visit at the presidential villa in Abuja on Thursday.
The members of the committee, led by Abdullahi Ganduje, national chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), said the proposed agency would improve citizens’ quality of life and foster social harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Mr Ganduje stated that the proposed Livestock Reforms and Development Authority must be authorised and adequately supported for the country’s welfare.
Mr Ganduje, who represented the Committee’s chairman, Attahiru Jega, urged Mr. President to personally study the report and supervise its complete implementation.
He also stated that complete adoption would contribute to lowering the high cost of animal product imports such as milk and beef.
His words:
“There have been repeated attempts to develop the livestock industry with varying levels of failures and successes.
“The adoption of improved production practices that will increase productivity and help the cattle owners to permanently settle have been abysmal due to many factors such as inadequate planning and funding of programmes, weak extension services as well as other cultural, economic and technological barriers.
“The persistence of these problems has allowed unhealthy competition and acrimony to grow among farmers and herders resulting to violent conflicts across the country.
“Mr. President, I am convinced that the Report submitted to you here today has the antidote to the problems of the livestock industry.
“It addresses the key reforms and presents various development options needed for the sustainable development of the sector.
Mr Gaduje went on to say that as governor of Kano state from 2015 to 2023, he was able to encourage cattle modernization while also strengthening local authorities to manage relationships and peacefully resolve issues between the groups.
