FG set to accelerate ranching policy for livestock development – Minister

Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, has said that the Federal Government is set to accelerate National Ranching Policy to improve livestock production, reduce insecurity and ensure economic prosperity.

The minister, who stated this in Ilorin, Kwara State Capital at a high-level Stakeholders’ engagement and Poultry Summit by Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), explained that Kwara State would pilot the policy.

Idi observed that despite huge potential in livestock production, Nigeria was unable to maximise the benefits of the agricultural sector due to lack of coordination, untill year 2024 when a dedicated Ministry was created by President Bola Tinubu’s Administration.

Through the Ministry of Livestock Development, the minister explained that the Federal Government is implementing policies to increase livestock contribution to the national GDP to 74 billion dollars from the current 32 billion, one of which is the creation of National Livestock Centres.

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According to him,”the centres are expected to optimise livestock production along value chains, guarantee food security and stem the tide of farmers herders crisis in the country”.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, represented by Afeez Alabi, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, assured participants of sustained government intervention.

“Poultry production is not just an agricultural activity; it is a strategic pillar of food security, job creation for youth and women, and economic growth. Livestock production remains central to our development agenda, and poultry occupies a very special place within it,” he said.

The governor, therefore, promised continued support for farmers’ training, access to improved inputs, biosecurity, veterinary services, and livestock business value chains while promoting innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in the sector.

Earlier, Sanusi Abdulwaheed Kolapo, Chairman of Poultry Association of Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter, said that the programme was poised to expose poultry farmers in the State to new ways of participating in poultry farming, using latest equipment and methods

He appealed to both the Federal and State Governments to support poultry farmers, as it would go a long way in providing good and rich proteins for the country.

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The chairman equally called on the government at all levels to assist poultry farmers in getting feeds at a subsidised rate, explaining that the present rate of the feeds is not sustainable.

Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, emphasised youth empowerment through agriculture.

“There is no reason for Nigerian students to graduate unemployed. Livestock is positioned to achieve that in Kwara. This is why this high-level engagement is set up. And the initiative aims to shift focus from conflict to production.

“We are going to turn machine guns into milking machines and armoured tanks into tractors, ensuring that youth are fully engaged in livestock and agribusiness”, she said.