By Florence Ugbem
President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Presidential Committee assigned to the reform of the livestock industry and the provision of long-term solutions to recurring clashes between herders and farmers in the country.
This was contained in a State House Press Release on Friday, 15 September 2023. The release states that the president announced the establishment of the Committee on Thursday in Abuja, following the submission of a report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria.
The Conference was assembled by the former Executive Governor of Kano State and Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje.
The President asserted that the committee was expected to work together with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and proffer recommendations girded towards fostering 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,” the statement read.
President Tinubu commended Ganduje for gathering the best minds and experts to find solutions to the perennial issues between pastoralists and farmers.
