The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has urged stakeholders to unite in addressing critical challenges confronting Nigeria’s livestock sector, particularly the persistent farmer-herder conflicts affecting many parts of the country.
Maiha made the appeal during the inauguration of a two-day Focus Group Discussion on Sustainable Livestock Development, organized by the Ministry on Monday.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to drive meaningful reforms in the sector.
“The essence of the meeting is to aggregate the ideas from key stakeholders towards obtaining implementable actions that will be of benefit to the livestock industry and Nigeria in general,” Maiha stated, stressing the need for practical solutions that deliver measurable benefits to the industry and the nation.
Participants at the event were selected based on their expertise and field experience in various aspects of the sector, according to the minister.
He further explained that the creation of the Ministry by President Bola Tinubu reflects the government’s commitment to addressing urgent challenges, particularly the resolution of farmer-herder conflicts.
“Nigerians are looking for change: in the areas of reduction of farmer-herder conflict, increased supply of and affordable beef, dairy products, poultry, chevon, mutton, pork and other livestock products,” Maiha said.
He assured attendees that with the right collaboration, the livestock sector could overcome its challenges.
“With the Ministry and the available human resources in Nigeria, the days of lamentation should be over; we must come together and provide tangible results; we can’t afford to fail,” he affirmed.
Maiha outlined the Ministry’s plan to engage a wide range of actors, including academia, donors, private sector participants, and other government ministries, to ensure comprehensive and effective implementation of its initiatives.
“We will engage all stakeholders to achieve the desired results; we will link up with academia, donors, other MDAs and the private sector, among others. All actors in the upstream, midstream and downstream of our livestock chains will be consulted in the implementation of our Ministry`s activities,” he noted.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s dedication to transparency and outcomes, Maiha highlighted its commitment to listening and acting swiftly on viable recommendations.
“We will be open, transparent, consultative and result-driven; our doors are wide open for honest discussions with all,” he said.
The focus group discussions are centered on key topics such as Animal Health & Breeding, Livestock Entrepreneurship and Value Chains, Feed and Fodder Development, and Grazing Reserves, as well as other cross-cutting issues affecting the industry.
Maiha urged participants to contribute precise and actionable recommendations during the sessions.
“During the proceedings in the next two days; we desire precise, pinpoint recommendations that can provide favourable outcomes if implemented,” he said, promising swift government action on accepted proposals. “I assure you of our commitment to act swiftly and effectively on all the accepted recommendations, based on the resources available to us,” the minister concluded.
