Jigawa State Partners with Federal Government on Livestock Development

In a significant move to enhance livestock development in Nigeria, Governor Mallam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State paid a working visit to the headquarters of the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Abuja. He was warmly received by the Honorable Minister, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and other key ministry officials.

The visit provided a platform for strategic discussions aimed at fostering collaboration between Jigawa State and the federal government on critical areas of livestock development. Key topics included boosting investment in livestock farming, addressing farmer-herder conflicts through cattle route demarcation, and promoting sustainable livestock production across fertile regions.

Governor Namadi emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between state governments and the federal ministry to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s livestock industry. He noted that the sector plays a crucial role in food security, job creation, and economic growth.

“We are here to congratulate you on your appointment and reaffirm our commitment to partnering with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development,” Governor Namadi said. “This ministry is crucial to the success of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope agenda, particularly in food security and economic development. Livestock development is a major component of Jigawa State’s 12-point agenda, and we are already making significant strides in the sector.”

The governor highlighted Jigawa’s role as a key player in livestock trade, citing the Maigatari livestock market—one of the largest in Africa—as a vital hub for cattle trading. He also shared the state’s initiatives to improve infrastructure, including upgrading the market and enhancing the state’s airport to facilitate livestock business.

Addressing the challenge of farmer-herder conflicts, Governor Namadi outlined Jigawa State’s proactive peace-building measures. He noted the establishment of the Farmers and Herdsmen Board, which has been instrumental in mediating disputes and maintaining harmony between the two groups.

“We have set up a functional Farmers and Herdsmen Board to prevent conflicts and ensure peaceful coexistence,” he said. “As part of our commitment, we have 54 gazetted grazing reserves, with an additional 60 to 70 reserves identified. Many of these reserves are equipped with water points, which have greatly improved relations between farmers and herders.”

Governor Namadi also highlighted Jigawa’s successful goat-breeding program, initiated in 2016 to support widows. The initiative has significantly improved goat production and livelihoods, gaining national recognition and World Bank support.

In response, Honorable Minister Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha commended Governor Namadi’s leadership in livestock development, describing Jigawa State as a model for others.

“Your Excellency, Jigawa has demonstrated a clear commitment to livestock development, and your peace-building approach is exemplary,” the minister said. “Our ministry has conducted an inventory of grazing reserves, cattle routes, water bodies, and livestock markets across Nigeria, and we are impressed with Jigawa’s progress.”

The minister also praised Jigawa’s approach to conflict resolution, noting that the state has one of the lowest incidences of farmer-herder clashes in the country due to its effective traditional peace-building mechanisms.

As part of the collaboration, both parties agreed to establish a joint task force to identify priority areas and develop actionable policies for immediate implementation.