By In a bid to address the recurring clashes between herders and farmers, President Bola Tinubu has created a new Ministry of Livestock Development.
Tinubu announced the new ministry on Tuesday during the inauguration of the presidential committee on livestock reforms.
He said the minister for the ministry will be announced soon.
The president approved the establishment of the presidential committee to address herders and farmers’ clashes and bolster livestock and dairy industries on September 14, 2023.
Tinubu set up the committee after receiving a report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria.
The committee gave the president 21 recommendations, including creating a ministry of livestock resources.
Tinubu said the committee would work with the federal ministry of agriculture and food security to come up with lasting solutions to the age-long crisis between farmers and herders, while ensuring the security and economic well-being of all Nigerians.
Following the approval, Tinubu said the federal government is fully prepared to cover the cost of acquiring the land to ensure the co-existence between herders and farmers.
“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,” he said.
“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.” the president stated
