Establish Livestock Reforms and Development Authority to address farmers, herders crisis Ganduje urges Tinubu

The Committee members of the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria have urged President Bola Tinubu to establish a Federal Authority to be charged with the mandate of leading the sustainable reforms and development of the livestock sector.

The members of the committee, led by National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, made the call while paying President Tinubu a courtesy visit at the presidential villa in Abuja on Thursday.

They said the proposed agency would improve citizens’ quality of life and foster social harmony and peaceful coexistence

Ganduje said the proposed Livestock Reforms and Development Authority needs to be empowered and fully funded for the benefit of the country.

Ganduje who represented the chairman of the Committee, Attahiru Jega, appealed to the president to personally study the report and to direct for its full implementation.

He also said that full implementation would help in reducing the high cost of imports of animal products like milk and beef.

“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.

“The implementation of the proposals will enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, promote environmental conservation, address substantial causes of conflicts between farmers and pastoralists and help in reducing the high cost of imports of animal products like milk and beef.

“There are clear strategies for ensuring inclusion and benefits for all Nigerians devoid of any political, ethnic or regional biases. It is a strictly development document suitable for guiding Federal, State and Local Government administrations on how best to promote the industry, enhance the quality of lives of the citizens and promote peaceful coexistence and social harmony.

“I use this rare privilege to appeal to Mr. President to personally study the Report and to direct for its full implementation.

“A key recommendation is the need to establish a Federal Authority to be charged with the mandate of leading the sustainable reforms and development of the livestock sector.

“The proposed Livestock Reforms and Development Authority need to be empowered and fully funded for the benefit of the country.

Mr Gaduje further said during his administration as governor of Kano state between 2015 and 2023, he was able to promote the modernisation of livestock production, while at the same time strengthening local authorities to manage relationships and amicably resolve conflicts between the groups.

“As the Governor of Kano State, my administration pursued deliberate efforts of promoting the modernisation of livestock production, while at the same time strengthening local authorities to manage relationships and amicably resolve conflicts between the groups. For this reason, Kano State remained among the most peaceful States in the country throughout our 8 years of governance.

In reaction, President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of a Presidential Committee dedicated to the reform of the livestock industry and the provision of long-term solutions to recurring clashes between herders and farmers in the country, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.

President Tinubu also commended Ganduje for assembling the best minds and experts to find solutions to the perennial issues between pastoralists and farmers.

He also praised the committee members for their diligent work in examining the complex issues related to livestock management, land use, and security.

“Out of every tragedy, if you are careful, you will see an opportunity. We have faced this conflict for some time. We know it is a homegrown problem. It is very hard for people to stay away from their traditional, old ways. 

“I tried in 2018 to bring about a solution to this problem, but it proved elusive. But I’ve been told not to ever give up and today I believe the solution is here,” the President stated, referring to the committee report, which contains several recommendations.

“It is not the fault of herders and farmers that this crisis has persisted. It is the fault of the leadership who failed to find immediate solutions to solve their problems. Leadership is about thinking and doing,” he said.